They paid tribute to six-year-old Bebe as they revealed their older daughter had witnessed the horrifying attack
The family of six-year-old Southport stabbing victim Bebe King have paid tribute to their ‘sweet, kind and spirited girl’ as they revealed her older sister had tragically witnessed the attack. Her family issued a statement today through Merseyside Police, and told how their other daughter Genie had managed to escape the harrowing attack.
The statement from Bebe’s family also paid tribute to the other girls – Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 – killed at the Taylor Swift themed dance event at a community centre on Hart Street on Monday, July 29. It read: “Our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe.
“Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.”
The family added: “We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”
Eight other children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, but they have all now been discharged from hospital. Bebe’s family added: “We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
“To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them. To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief. Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.”
Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. A trial date has been set for January 20, 2025.