What we know about the Southport stabbing victims as last funeral takes place

Three children were killed and 10 more people injured during the Southport stabbings.

Ross McGuinness and Ellen Manning
Updated ·5-min read
The horse-drawn carriage that carried the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe awaits outside of St John's Church in Birkdale during her funeral. The seven-year-old died in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport on July 29. Picture date: Friday August 23, 2024. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
The horse-drawn carriage that carried the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe awaits outside of St John's Church in Birkdale during her funeral. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

Mourners have lined streets decorated with pink ribbons as a “special day” was held to celebrate the life of "truly unforgettable" seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who was killed in the Southport knife attack.

A horse-drawn carriage arrived at St John’s Church in Birkdale, near Southport, on Friday morning for the funeral of Elsie, who was killed along with Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, in the 29 July attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town.

Elsie's family, who had earlier released a new photo and statement describing her as a “devoted Swiftie” who “brought light, love and joy to so many lives”, walked behind the carriage in a procession from their home.

Elsie's parents David, Jenni, released a family portrait of her with little sister Rosie, three, before her funeral, which was attended by members of her dance troup. (PA)
Elsie's parents David, Jenni, released a family portrait of her with little sister Rosie, three, before her funeral, which was attended by members of her dance troup. (PA)

Crowds of mourners wearing colourful outfits and florals - after the family requested people not to wear black - watched on, while members of Elsie's cheerleading group, Vortex Cheer, formed a guard of honour as the coffin, topped with a blue cuddly toy, was carried into the church.

Elsie's family's statement released on the morning of the funeral, said: “Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today on ‘Elsie’s Special Day’.

"Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness."

The coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe is carried out of St John's Church in Birkdale, following her funeral service. The seven-year-old died in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport on July 29. Picture date: Friday August 23, 2024.
The coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe is carried out of St John's Church with soft toys placed on top. (PA)
Mourners walk behind the horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe. (PA)
Mourners walk behind the horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe. (PA)
Post Office vans following the hearse carrying the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe as it passes through Southport following her funeral at St John's Church in Birkdale, as a tribute from Royal Mail as Elsie's dad David is a postman. The seven-year-old died in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport on July 29. Picture date: Friday August 23, 2024.
Post Office vans followed the hearse carrying the coffin as a tribute from Royal Mail as Elsie's dad David is a postman. (PA)
A family looks at flowers and tributes outside the Atkinson Art Centre Southport for the three girls that died in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport on July 29. The funeral of one the victims, seven-year-old, Elsie Dot Stancombe, took place on Friday at St John's Church in Birkdale. Picture date: Friday August 23, 2024. (Photo by Paul Currie/PA Images via Getty Images)
A family looks at flowers and tributes outside the Atkinson Art Centre Southport for the three girls that died. (Getty Images)

Elsie's service is the last of the funerals for the victims to be held.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with the murders of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, as well as the attempted murder of instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children who cannot be named for legal reasons. He has also been charged with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

Here's what is known about the three young girls who lost their lives in the Southport attack.

Alice Aguiar, nine, has been named as one of the victims in the Southport knife attack. (GoFundMe)
Alice Aguiar, nine, has been named as one of the victims in the Southport knife attack. (GoFundMe)

The first child victim to be named was nine-year-old Alice Aguiar, who police said died the day after the attack.

Confirming she was one of the victims, Merseyside Police released a tribute from her family which said: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

Churchtown Primary in Southport said Alice was a year 4 pupil at the school. Headteacher Jinnie Payne said: “Alice’s radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy.

“Her kindness, playful nature, and zest for trying new things will forever be remembered.”

At a church service, one of Alice’s classmates said: “You will be in our hearts forever. You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met.”

A member of staff from Alice’s school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.”

Bebe King, 6, was one of the three children killed in a
Bebe King, six, was one of the three children killed in a ’ferocious’ knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school. (PA)

Bebe King, six, was also at the Taylor Swift event when she was fatally stabbed.

A statement from her family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

Churchtown Primary said Bebe was a former pupil at the school.

Headteacher Jinnie Payne said: “Bebe was a joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community.

“Her considerate nature meant that she had many friends and she always ensured all children felt included, whether that was through play or working together in the classroom.”

Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, was also killed. (PA)
Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, was also killed. (PA)

Before paying tribute to Elsie ahead of her funeral, her family had not released a direct statement but her mother, Jenni Stancombe, had previously condemned the violent unrest in Southport in the wake of the attack.

In a message widely shared online, Stancombe said: "This is the only thing that I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight. The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don't need this."

Farnborough Road Infant School headteacher Jennifer Sephton said the school was “heartbroken and devastated” by the death of their pupil Elsie.

Elsie’s great-aunt described her as “lovely, sweet and gentle”, the BBC reported. Jean Stevenson said her grand-niece was “absolutely the sweetest child you could ever wish to meet”.

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