The parents of a six-year-old girl who was killed in Southport 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 stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on 29 July.
The death 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.
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In a statement, 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 added: “We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape.
(L-R) Southport victims Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar
“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.”
Directly addressing Alice and Elsie’s families, Bebe’s parents said they are thinking of them and “hold them close in [their] hearts”.
Tributes left near the site of the Southport stabbing. Pic: PA
Paying tribute to those who were injured in the attack and other children who witnessed it, the family said: “We send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.”
‘A source of incredible comfort’
The mother and father went on to say that the “outpouring of love and support” from the community in the seaside down, from the whole of Liverpool and from further afield “has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time”.
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“From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family,” they said.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
They also thanked the emergency service workers who attended the scene last month and who have continued to support the family.
“We will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time,” the parents said.