Two girls, 6 & 7, killed in Southport attack were ‘identified by their clothes’ as inquest opened into deaths of 3 kids
TWO of the girls stabbed to death in the Southport attack had to be identified by her clothing, an inquest has heard.
Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe died in a horrific knife rampage at a Taylor Swift-inspired event on July 29.
Nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar also died in hospital during the early hours of the following morning after a knifeman walked into The Hart Space community centre from the street outside.
An inquest into their deaths was formally opened and adjourned at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside today.
Coroner’s assistant James Martindale told the court: “Elsie was identified by Police Constable Anthony Holden on July 29 by confirmation of the clothing she was wearing and a recent photograph.
“Her death was pronounced at 1.53pm inside the dance studio.”
He added: “Bebe King was identified by Police Constable Claire Williams by confirmation of the clothing she was wearing and a recent photograph.”
Senior coroner Julie Goulding said it was “impossible to adequately articulate the devastating lifelong effects of the truly tragic events of Monday, July 29”.
She added: “The three young children were full of life and energy and will be missed beyond any description my woefully inadequate words may attempt to describe.
“I therefore offer my deepest condolences to Elsie’s, Bebe’s and Alice’s parents, families and friends, and those heartfelt condolences of all of my staff here at the coroner’s court.”
It comes as emotional tributes have poured in for the young girls.
Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack in and a number of vigils have taken place in the town.
In a statement, Bebe’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’s family said: “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.”
Hundreds of locals, many of them children, held a vigil and blew bubbles “all the way to heaven” for the three dance-loving girls on Tuesday.
Vigil organiser Kylie Clift, who was donated the bubbles by local shops, arcades and charities, said before the mass tribute: “I feel a great importance in our children being able to grieve too.
“They can express so much emotion through fun yet sensitive activities, like bubble blowing.
“There will be time to take a moment and remember those we have lost and those who still continue to fight.”
The knife attack also left five other children in a critical condition.
They were treated in hospitals across Liverpool and Manchester.
In an update yesterday, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital confirmed all kids treated after the attack have now been discharged.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are really pleased to be able to share that all the children involved in last Monday’s awful incident in Southport who were under our care have now been safely discharged home from Alder Hey.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in responding to the incident or caring for anyone affected by it, especially our colleagues in the NHS, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.
“We also want to say thank you to all who sent well wishes to Alder Hey and to the families affected.
“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those impacted by last week’s tragic events.”
One child is still recovering from serious injuries at a different hospital in Merseyside.
Two adults, Leanne Lucas and Jonathan Hayes, were also left in a critical condition following the attack.
Yoga dance teacher Leanne heroically “bent over two girls” and took knife blows to save them, her family revealed.
She was stabbed in the arms, neck and back as she used her body to shield young girls – and is now said to be “awake” and recovering”.
Her colleague Heidi Liddle escaped uninjured after bravely locking some of the children inside a toilet.
Jonathan was stabbed in the leg as he bravely tried to fend off the attacker after running into the class when he heard screams.
It comes as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
Rudakubana was named for the first time on Thursday after a judge lifted reporting restrictions just days before his 18th birthday.
The teen, who lives in Banks, Lancashire, but is from Cardiff originally, was remanded into custody until October 25.