Parents of girls killed in southport murders speak

BEBE KING, SIX, ELSIE DOT STANCOMBE, SEVEN, AND ALICE DASILVA AGUIAR, NINE, WERE ALL KILLED 18:12, 08 Feb 2025Updated 18:14, 08 Feb 2025 The parents of two of the girls murdered in Southport

have spoken out in an emotional interview. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were all killed by 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana. The girls had all

attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the town when the killer burst in wielding a knife. Rudakubana was jailed for life, and ordered to serve a minimum of 52 years in prison, for

the heinous killings on July 29 last year. He also attempted to murder eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman

John Hayes. Bebe and Elsie's families have now spoken out in an interview with the Sunday Times. Bebe's family said that the local community have helped them through the horrific

period. Following the attack, vast numbers of flowers and toys were left by the town hall in Southport, with a display arranged by the Lord Street in Bloom gardening group. Bebe's

parents talking of the reaction from locals reportedly said: “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.” Her father said how he searched the streets for his daughter until a police officer gave a description that matched her. "We had given people Bebe’s description. When

that person came towards me, I could feel the blood drain from me and I went cold,” the 43 year old told the paper. Article continues below "I knew she was going to tell me something.

And she did. ‘Are you Bebe’s dad?’ As soon as I said yes she said she had passed away.” Bebe’s mum added: "Bebe operated on such a high frequency. 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." While Elsie’s mum Jenni Stancombe told

how her husband had dropped her off at 10am with her daughter a massive Swiftie fan. "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." Both Elsie’s parents said that she was full of energy and had tried out lots of sports from

gymnastics to swimming. The life of an “extraordinary girl” Elsie was remembered with balloons, bubbles and one of her favourite Taylor Swift songs at her funeral. Mourners including family

dog Bobby gathered outside St John’s Church in Birkdale to see the horse-drawn carriage, which travelled from the family home through streets decorated with pink ribbons. Welcoming the

congregation to the church for the service, Reverend Jennie Hardy described Elsie as “a little girl who loved a big party”. She added: “Her last birthday was an Elsie-fest and today we are

continuing that theme.” In a tribute, teacher Katie Sykes, from Farnborough Road School, said: “She made everybody smile just by being her.” A stunning floral scene for all three girls could

be seen in front of the Town Hall following the attack which King Charles also visited last year. Helen Marshall, 71, a member of the Lord Street in Bloom gardening group, who knew Alice

and Elsie watched in wonder at the tributes that have been left and painted a picture of people wanting to celebrate the girls lives as well as mourn their terrible loss. “There are teddy

bears, thousands of flowers, some days we didn’t know where to turn, we put them in water, try and display them as well as possible, there are little children that come with things, my

granddaughter brought her toy,” Helen, a retired schoolteacher told The Mirror at the time. Article continues below "There are three large laminated photos of the three girls, some one

has put tiaras on them, there are bracelets, angels on sticks, wands. Everyone is doing something, lots of children, they’ve made painted pebbles, every day we’ve made sure that each of the

girls has the best flowers." Helen attended the funeral of Alice at St Patrick’s parish church where she sings in the choir and she spoke of how “dignified” were her family. She said

there was humour as well as sadness during the service. “Her mum and dad were very dignified, they were amazing and the parish priest was very good, He wasn’t dour and spoke very well, if

you have faith, we are Catholics, that helps in moments like this,” Helen added.