The devastated parents of a six-year-old girl who tragically died in a horrific attack in Southport have revealed her sister saw the stabbing – but managed to escape.
Bebe King was one of three young girls killed in a mass knife attack at Taylor Swift’s dance class in the Merseyside city last month.
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(Left to right) Ben King, Bebe King, Lauren King and Genie King
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Six-year-old Bebe King was one of three children killed in the horrific stabbing Credit: PA
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Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was also killed in the attackCredit: Reuters
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Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, was the third victimCredit: Unpixs
The six-year-old was killed along with Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Bebe’s family released a tribute to their “precious daughter” this afternoon.
They said Bebe was a “sweet, kind and energetic girl” who was adored by the family.
The family also paid tribute to the brave emergency services who fought to save the girls, as well as the wider Southport community.
And they paid tribute to the “beautiful souls” of Elsie and Alice and their families.
Bebe’s family said: “On Monday, July 29, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe.
“Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that left our hearts broken beyond repair.
They added: “Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love.
“She will always remain in our hearts as a dear, kind and energetic girl whom we adore.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
“From the pink lights that lit up Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards and candles that stayed in her memory.
“We are overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion towards our family.
“The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool and even beyond has touched our hearts deeply.
“We are so grateful to everyone who reached out to us.”
The family also revealed that Bebe’s older sister Genie ran away after witnessing the horrific attack.
They said: “We want to pay tribute to our elder daughter Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape.
“She has shown such incredible strength and courage and we are very proud of her.
“Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister.
“We will continue to support her as we go through this painful journey together as a family.
“Our thoughts are with everyone else who took part in this tragedy and everyone who was injured.
“We hope that they will find strength and a cure in the days ahead. The children who witnessed this terrible event.
“We send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
“To the Croatian services that acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you.
“Your support continued as you cared for our family with compassion and dedication.
“We will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this difficult time.
“To our community, friends and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you.
“Your messages, your tribute and your presence meant a lot to us in the world and helped us find solace in our grief.
“Our thoughts are also with Elsie and Alice’s families who share this unimaginable loss and we hold them in our hearts.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort in knowing that Bebe was so loved by all who knew her.
“She will forever be our shining star and we will carry her with us in everything we do.
“With love and gratitude, Lauren, Ben and Genie.”
Suspects in court
AXEL Muganwa Rudakubana has been named as a suspect in the Southport attack after a judge lifted reporting restrictions just days before his 18th birthday.
Rudakubana, 17, rocked back and forth in the dock as he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on August 1 charged with three counts of murder.
He was also charged with ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed object – the curved kitchen knife used in the attack.
Prosecutors said he was “diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder” and “didn’t want to leave the house and communicate with his family for a while.”
Normally all defendants under the age of 18 have the right to remain anonymous, but Judge Andrew Menary KC refused to grant such an order to conceal his identity.
Instead he announced that Rudakubana could be appointed after hearing legal submissions – telling the court that otherwise he would be allowing others to “spread misinformation”.
He said: “Whilst I accept that this is exceptional given his age, mainly because he will be 18 in six days, I am not making a section 45 order.
“Continuing to prevent full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.”
Rudakubana, who lives in Banks, Lancashire, but is originally from Cardiff, was remanded in custody until October 25.
No plea was entered, but a preliminary six-week trial date has been set for January 20.
The teenager earlier appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where he smiled as he entered the dock.
Rudakubana then covered his face with the sleeve of his gray prison tracksuit on the dock.
It can now be revealed that Rudakubana was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents.
He has an older brother, who was also born in the Welsh capital, according to reports.
In 2013, Rudakubana moved to Banks, a Lancashire village a few miles from Southport.
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