Schools pay tribute to "loving and bright" pupils killed in the Southport knife attack

Three girls who were killed in a deadly knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club were named by police earlier today.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed in the incident in Southport, on Monday.

Headteachers from schools attended by the girls have also paid tribute to both Bebe who was a pupil at Marshside Primary School and Elsie who was a pupil at Farnborough Road Infant School.

Natasha Sandland, Head Teacher of Marshside Primary School, said:

“Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.

“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.

“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.

“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”

Miss Jennifer Sephton, Head Teacher at Farnborough Road Infant School, said:

“We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Elsie.

“Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.

“Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.

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

“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.

“We are supporting our school community including pupils, teachers and parents throughout this extremely difficult time and would reiterate the need for privacy at this time.”