The parents of the six-year-old girl killed in the Southport stabbing have paid tribute to their “precious daughter”, saying her sister witnessed the attack and fled.
Bebe King was killed along with nine-year-old Alice DaSilva Aguiar and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on July 29.
The deaths of the three girls sparked anti-immigrant protests and riots in several UK cities after false information spread on social media that the attacker was an illegal immigrant.
In a statement from Merseyside Police, Bebe’s parents Lauren and Ben said their daughter was “full of joy, light and love and will always remain in our hearts as a kind, gentle and spirited girl”. It was something “we admire.”
They announced that their older daughter, Jeannie, 9 years older than them, witnessed the attack and managed to escape. “She has shown incredible strength and courage and we are so proud of her,” they said.
“Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she had with her sister and we will continue to support her as we go through this painful journey as a family.”
Her statement continued: “On the 29th, our world was rocked by the loss of our beloved 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 irreparably damaged.”
One was addressed directly to Alice’s family. The parents of Elsie and Bebe said they were thinking of Bebe together and “hold her in our hearts.” In a message to those injured in the attack and other children who witnessed it, they added: “We send them our love and hope that they too can begin to recover, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.”
This comes after Alder Hey Children’s Hospital announced last week that all children injured in the attack and in their care have “returned home safely”.
Bebe’s parents said the “outpouring of love and support” from the seaside town’s community, across Liverpool and further afield has been “an incredible source of comfort at this unimaginably difficult time”.
“From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink ribbons, flowers, balloons, cards and candles left in her memory, we are 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 expressed their gratitude to the emergency services who were on the scene last month and continue to support the family.
“We will be forever grateful for all that has helped us through this terrible time,” the parents said.
The tribute to Bebe came after Alice’s family held a wake for friends, family and local residents just a week after her death.
During the service on August 6, Alice’s cousin Erica called Alice her “best friend forever”, adding: “We will never forget you”. A week after the knife attack.
Children were photographed blowing bubbles, which had been donated by local shops, arcades and charities. Some left toys, flowers and heart-shaped balloons.
Axel Rudakubana (18) has been charged with the murder of three girls at Heart Space in Southport.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and their eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and possessing a kitchen knife with a bent blade.