Friends of Southport victims still receiving support, head teachers say

Contents

Southport schools share memories of ‘adored’ girls ‘A pin-drop that changed our lives’: What Southport victims’ families told the judge ‘Evil’ Southport killer jailed for minimum 52 years ‘I knew I was running for my life’: How the Southport attack unfolded Could calling attacks like Southport ‘terrorism’ help to prevent them?

53 minutes ago

Jonny Humphries

BBC News, Liverpool

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King

Handout A composite image of Elsie in her red and yellow school uniform, Alice in her white communion d,ress and Bebe in a black t-shirt and with colourful bows in her hair. All are smiling in the photographs. — Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King

Friends and classmates of the three schoolgirls who were murdered in the Southport knife attacks are continuing to receive support, head teachers have said.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were attacked by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town.

Eight other children and two adults – dance class leader Leanne Lucas and businessman Jonathan Hayes – were seriously wounded in the 29 July attack.

On Thursday Rudakubana was jailed for a minimum of 52 years at Liverpool Crown Court and told by the judge that he will more than likely die in prison.

Floral tributes were left outside the Atkinson Art Centre in Southport following the attack

PA Media Dozens of bunches of flowers, colourful balloons and cards are laid out on a paved area, with a large picture of a smiling Elsie Dot Stancombe in front of the camera. — Floral tributes were left outside the Atkinson Art Centre in Southport following the attack

Jennifer Septhon, head of Farnborough Road Infants School, said it had been a “real privilege to have known” Elsie.

“From her nursery days being carried on Dad’s shoulders into the playground, she was a girl with a super, beaming smile,” said Ms Septhon. “Someone who loved life, school and her friends.”

She described how Elsie loved “performing, singing, dancing and being on stage”.

Ms Septhon added: “Elsie was adored by her friends and known by everyone in school due to the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious energy, caring nature and charismatic personality.

“It’s difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

“We miss you, Elsie. You were one of a kind.”

Bebe King has been described as an “amazing young lady”

Natasha Sandland, head teacher of Marshside Primary, described Bebe as an “amazing young lady full of giggles and love”.

She remembered how the little girl’s “beautiful toothless smile brightened up the darkest days”.

“We grieve her loss every single day and will remember her with nothing but happy and fun memories,” she said.

“We will never associate her loss with this unthinkable act.”

Ms Sandland said the school’s focus was on supporting Bebe’s family and friends, as well as members of staff and the wider community.

Alice da Silva Aguiar was described as “joy embodied” by her head teacher

Handout A smiling Alice stands outside the Hart Space dance studio next to a life-size cardboard cut-out of Taylor Swift, wearing a black t-shirt with the slogan 'Vacay Vibes' written in colourful letters. — Alice da Silva Aguiar was described as “joy embodied” by her head teacher

Alice’s head teacher Jinne Payne, from Churchtown Primary School, described the nine-year-old as “joy embodied”.

She said: “To all the victims and their families and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support.

“As a school, we are committed to wrapping our arms around you and the entire community as we walk this path of grief and recovery together.”

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