Families of children impacted by Southport killer say “nothing will ever reverse the heartbreaking events of that day”

Families of the children impacted by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana have reacted to today’s sentencing and have said that “nothing will ever reverse the heartbreaking events of that day”.

Rudakubana has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum fixed term of 52 years.

They have also thanked emergency services and sent thoughts and love to the families of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe who were killed in the attack in July 2024.

Merseyside Police have issued the following statements from the families and parents of victims of the devastating attack following the sentencing of Rudakubana at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday 23 January 2025.

Family of Children F and T who are siblings: 

“Today our family welcome the sentence imposed on that monster, however nothing will ever reverse the heartbreaking events of that day. Our children have been exposed to scenes that no one should ever see and caused unimaginable pain and heartache for us all. Alice, Bebe, Elsie and their families remain in our thoughts always.

“We would like to thank Merseyside Police and the CPS for bringing justice and for the emergency services who attended the scene and medical staff who treated our girls with such compassion. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the public for all of their support and well wishes since that tragic day. 

“For now, we need time to reflect and process the events of the past few months and ask for privacy during this time. We will come forwards and speak when we feel ready.”

Family of Child L: 

“First and foremost, we would like to send our love, thoughts and condolences to the families and loved ones of Alice, Bebe, Elsie Dot and indeed the rest of the families forever touched by the attack on the 29th of July 2024.

“We recognise that we are extremely fortunate to have our little princess with us, and we are immensely proud of her and the bravery, courage, and resilience she has shown, both on the day of the attack and since, as she takes the first steps on the long road to recovery.

“We would like to thank all the emergency services involved with all the victims and families on the day, with special thanks reserved for the police officer who personally took vigilant care of our daughter, the air ambulance team, and hospital staff who continue to support and contribute to the care of the girls.

“We would also like to thank the residents of Hart Street, in particular the two families who gave our daughter shelter in their homes, in the immediate aftermath of this unprecedented and hideous attack. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. 

“We welcome the guilty verdict but also realise this is only the first step on the road to justice. We welcome the public inquiry and believe that true justice can only be achieved by preventing anything like this from happening again. We ask for privacy and respect, as we focus on repairing the harm caused, this incident will not define us as a family, and we are confident our daughter will continue to grow in strength as we rebuild our lives.”

Family of Child O: 

“We are glad that the guilty plea was announced to stop the anguish for all the families. We are looking forward to justice being done. We would like to thank the emergency services and all the other organisations and individuals that have offered support and kindness throughout this tragic time.”

Family of Child P:

“The sights and sounds that day were so traumatic to all, the families, the neighbours, the services and of course our children. This will forever be with us and our thoughts will remain with the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie who although our daughter didn’t know, now thinks and prays for them often.”

Family of Child Q: 

“Although the horrific events will always stay with us, we now hope to be able to move forward as a family to enjoy happier times. We would like to like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received during this difficult time.”

Family of Child U: 

“Horrific incidents like this should unite society and not cause a divide amongst them, and remind everyone that there is more good than bad in the world.”

Family of Children V and W who are siblings: 

“Following the horrific events at the Hart Space on July 29th, the bravery and strength that our two daughters have shown has kept us going, in stark contrast to the cowardice displayed by Axel Rudakubana. 

“We will continue to support and guide them through their psychological recovery, love them unconditionally and continue to grow stronger as a family.

“We welcome the public enquiry and wish to understand how the failings that have been discovered will be addressed.”

Family of Child X: 

“Whilst I’m glad we haven’t had to sit through the pain of a trial and reliving that awful day, what happened that day will stay with us forever. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported those of us effected by the tragedy.”

Heidi Liddle: 

“My heart is with the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie, as well as everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. I kindly ask for privacy for myself and my family during this deeply difficult time.”

Get the latest for Liverpool City Region HERE.