'Alice, Bebe and Elsie’s absence leave a void that cannot be filled'

The former headteachers of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar have penned emotional tributes following the sentencing of their killer yesterday. Elise, seven, Bebe, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar were murdered when Axel Rudakubana entered The Hart Space in Southport on July 29 and systematically worked his way around the Taylor Swift-themed workshop stabbing children as they made friendship bracelets.

The 18-year-old appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, January 23 after pleading guilty to the three murders, along with the attempted murders of eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and two adults - Ms Lucas and John Hayes - possession of a bladed article, namely a curved kitchen knife, production of a biological toxin, namely ricin, and possession of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, namely a PDF file entitled "Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual".

Rudakubana, of Banks, West Lancashire, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years. Following a harrowing day in court yesterday, the former headteachers of Elsie and Bebe's schools shared emotional tributes to the girls who lost their lives six months ago.

Jennifer Sephton, headteacher of Farnborough Road Infants School issued a tribute directly addressed to Elsie-Dot. She said: "It was a real privilege to have known Elsie and be a part of her Farnborough Road Infant School journey over the last 4 years.

"From her nursery days being carried on dad’s shoulders into the playground, she was a girl with a super, beaming smile, someone who loved life, school and her friends. Elsie was such a determined young lady who loved to please, she loved performing, singing, dancing and being on the stage.

"Elsie was adored by her friends and known by everyone in school due to the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious energy, caring nature and charismatic personality. It’s difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her. We miss you, Elsie. You were one of a kind. You will live forever in the hearts of our Farnborough family.

"Our thoughts are with all the families who have been affected by this tragic event. As a school, we will continue to support our children and families as we try to navigate these most difficult of times together."

Ms Sephton added: "We ask that the media respect our privacy, for our families and our school, as we continue to grieve as a community."

Natasha Sandland, head teacher of Marshside Primary, said: "Bebe was an amazing young lady full of giggles and love. She brightened up the darkest days with her beautiful toothless smile. We grieve her loss every single day and will remember her with nothing but happy and fun memories.

"We will never associate her loss with this unthinkable act. Our focus will remain supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.

"We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we firmly reiterate the need to protect and respect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time. As a school community we continue to grieving together as we stand with others in Southport."

Within hours of the trial ending yesterday, Alice da Silva Aguiar's former headteacher paid tribute to the three little girls. Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School said: "In the face of unspeakable tragedy, our Southport community has been tested in ways we could never have imagined.

"Today, we come together to honour the lives of Alice, Bebe and Elsie – three cherished members of our community whose light will forever shine in our hearts. We also hold in our thoughts all those physically and emotionally impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.

"Alice, a beloved pupil of Churchtown Primary School, was joy embodied. Her artistic flair and passion for dance brought happiness to everyone who knew her. Alice, Bebe and Elsie’s absence leave a void that cannot be filled, but their memory will remain a torch of light, love, and inspiration for us all.

“To all the victims and their families and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. As a school, we are committed to wrapping our arms around you and the entire community as we walk this path of grief and recovery together.

"In this time of pain, we find hope in the unity of our community. The resilience, compassion, and strength we have witnessed remind us that love always prevails over hate. Let us continue to lean on one another, not just to heal but to honour Alice, Bebe, and Elsie by building a future grounded in kindness and understanding.

“This is not the end of their story. It is the beginning of a shared commitment to a better world, one where love binds us, hope drives us, and unity defines us. Our hearts are broken, but we’re finding strength in healing together."