Parents of six-year-old killed in Southport stabbing reveal sister witnessed knife attack
The family of Bebe King, six, who died after being stabbed in Southport, said her older sister Genie also witnessed the attack in a heartbreaking new statement
The family of Bebe King, six, who died after being stabbed in the horror Southport attack said she was full of joy, light, and love, and will "always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore" in a statement released through Merseyside Police.
They also revealed her sister witnessed the attack but managed to escape. In a heartbreaking statement released by the force today, Bebe's family said: "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 has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore."
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The heartbroken family added: "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 illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family."
In another devastating revelation, the family shared how Bebe's older sister, Genie, had witnessed the atrocity, but managed to escape the community centre on Hart Street on Monday, July 29 - where a group of children were taking part in a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga event.
The family shared: "We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family."
Also killed in the attack was Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. Eight other children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, but they have since been safely discharged and are continuing to recover at home.
Speaking about the two others who tragically lost their lives, Bebe's family said: "We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He appeared before Liverpool Crown Court last Thursday, and a trial date has been set for January 20 2025.
Bebe's family extended their love to the helpless youngsters who had witnessed the horror unfold on that fateful day, just as their daughter Genie did. They said: "To 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."
They also thanked the emergency services and wider community for all of the support, adding: "To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
"To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief. Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do."
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