Police confirm names of Three Girls Killed in Southport Stabbing as Families Pay Tribute

(Left to right) Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; Bebe King, six and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

(Image: Merseyside Police)

Devastating and absolutely heartbreaking as Police confirm names of the three girls killed in Southport stabbing as families pay tribute.

The tragic and shocking stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has claimed the lives of three young girls. The victims, identified by police, are Alice Aguiar, aged nine, Elsie Stancombe, aged seven, and Bebe King, aged six.

The attack, which took place on Hart Street shortly before midday on Monday, July 29, has left the community in mourning.

Bebe King, six, who has been killed in a mass stabbing in Southport

(Image: Merseyside Police)

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who was killed in a mass stabbing in Southport.

(Image: Merseyside Police)

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

(Image: Merseyside Police)

Alice Aguiar, originally from Portugal, had moved to Crossens in Sefton. The families of the victims are being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy during this heartbreaking time.

In a poignant tribute, Bebe King’s family said, "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe." Alice Aguiar’s family shared, "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."

The incident left six other children with stab wounds, some of whom remain in critical condition. Two adults were also severely injured and are hospitalised.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks, Lancashire, originally from Cardiff, has been arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have clarified that a name circulating on social media is incorrect and urged the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. They have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related and that no other suspects are being sought.

Hundreds of tributes have been left at the scene, with messages of support and condolences from the community. One message read, "To all the beautiful girls and families affected by this tragedy. We can't even comprehend the emotions and heartbreak you must be going through right now. You didn't deserve any of this. Our hearts break for you."

In an update released earlier today, police confirmed the death of Alice Aguiar in the early hours of Tuesday, July 30, due to injuries sustained in the attack. The other two victims, Bebe King and Elsie Stancombe, died at the scene.

Merseyside Police provided the following details:

- Eight other children sustained stab wounds during the attack, with five in critical condition.

- Two adults are also in critical condition after being injured in the incident.

- A 17-year-old male from Banks remains in police custody.

- The incident is not being treated as terror-related, and no additional suspects are being sought.

- The community is urged not to speculate on the incident's details as the investigation continues.

Victim Care officers are stationed at the Community Support Centre at Southport FC from 10am to 6pm today to provide support to those affected. The Victim Care Merseyside service offers free, emotional, and practical support tailored to individual needs. Anyone impacted by the incident can contact the service, regardless of whether a crime has been reported to the police, by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm, or by requesting support online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.

As the investigation continues, the community of Southport stands united in grief and support for the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy.