The parents of a six-year-old girl who was killed in the Southport stabbings have paid tribute to their “precious daughter” and revealed her older sister saw the attack and escaped.
Bebe King died along with nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, after the stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on 29 July. The deaths of the three girls sparked anti-immigration protests and riots across UK towns and cities after false information circulated on social media that the attacker was an illegal migrant.
In a statement issued by Merseyside Police, Bebe’s parents Lauren and Ben said their daughter “was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore”. They revealed their nine-year-old older Genie witnessed the attack and managed to escape, saying: “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.” Their statement added: “On Monday the 29th of July, 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.” Directly addressing Alice and Elsie’s families, Bebe’s parents said they were thinking of them and “hold them close in [their] hearts”.
In a message to those injured in the attack and other children who witnessed it, they added: “We send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.” It comes after Alder Hey Children’s Hospital announced last week that all the children who were under its care after being injured in the attack had been “safely discharged home”.
