The parents of two girls who were killed by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana have spoken of their heartbreak for the first time since the harrowing attack.
Rudakubana was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 52 years after admitting the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport last year.
The knifeman attacked the children during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in a horrific assault on July 29.
In their first media interview since the harrowing ordeal, Bebe and Elsie’s parents have spoken of their devastation at losing their two beloved daughters.
They said they are overwhelmed by support from the local community who pulled together in the wake of the attack.
Bebe’s mother told The Sunday Times: ‘It’s about this community. It has brought light in the darkness, these little moments. And that’s what we’re constantly looking for right now.’
She also paid tribute to her daughter’s ‘innate kindness’ and ‘special’ ability to connect with people.
She said: ‘She had this power to connect with people and the relationships she had with all her family members were different but very special. She had this innate kindness. She had a spark.’
Bebe King, six, was also one of the three girls murdered by Rudakubana
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was also killed in the attack. She is pictured posing next to a Taylor Swift cut out outside the dance class on the day of the horrific attack.
Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport
Bebe’s parents were able to say goodbye to their little girl before the funeral using Alder Hey hospital’s bereavement suite.
The couple spent a week with Bebe, who was wearing pyjamas, while the room was softly lit by night lights.
The parents said they were able to hold her hand, have family say goodbye to her, and even had Bebe christened – something they had wanted to do for several years.
Elsie’s parents also spoke of their ‘one of a kind’ daughter’s warmth and enthusiasm.
Her mother said: ‘Everyone says it, don’t they, that they’re one of a kind. But she truly was.
‘It was an honour to be her mum. Sometimes I think people are born special, and I genuinely believe she was.’
Elsie never wanted her parents to be alone, always offering to come along to the shops or take the bins out with her father, even during iPad time on a Friday – a special treat.
The families of the Southport victims have taken comfort in the support of the royal family – with the Princess of Wales visiting them in her first public engagement since finishing chemotherapy.
Bebe’s father said Catherine’s visit made a great deal to them, and she delivered a ‘powerful’ message which provided them comfort.
The harrowing attack triggered months of riots in the summer of 2024, including in major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and London.
The Prime Minister condemned ‘far-right thuggery’ as police clashed with protesters in the wake of the attack.
