Inquests into three girls killed in Southport to open today | UK News

Inquests into the deaths of three girls who were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport will open today.

Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed and several others were injured on July 29. Inquiries will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.

It comes after a church service for Alice took place on Tuesday afternoon, where the nine-year-old was described as “the most beautiful and strongest girl in the world”.

Moving speeches were read in English and Portuguese at the service at St Patrick’s Church in Southport.

One of Alice’s classmates said, “You will be in our hearts forever. You are the kindest person in the world and we know you are the strongest girl we have ever met.”

A staff member at Alice’s school read messages from her classmates, including one that said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with such a bright smile, forever in our hearts.”

The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church after the ceremony.

Hundreds of floral tributes were left at the scene of the attack in Hart Street and several vigils were held in the city to remember the girls.

Merseyside Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers.

See more information:
Southport is clear – grief must be the focus
Acts of kindness show Southport won’t let violence win
Southport victims treated at Alder Hey ‘safely released’

Axel Rudakubana, who turns 18 today, will face trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a sharp article in a public place.

Misinformation spread after the attack triggered violent riots in several towns and cities across the UK, resulting in the arrest of around 400 people.

About 100 individuals were chargedaccording to the director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.