Southport schools share memories of 'adored' girls

Friends and classmates of the three schoolgirls who were murdered in the Southport knife attacks are continuing to receive support, head teachers have said.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were attacked by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town.

Eight other children and two adults – dance class leader Leanne Lucas and businessman Jonathan Hayes – were seriously wounded in the 29 July attack.

On Thursday Rudakubana was jailed for a minimum of 52 years at Liverpool Crown Court and told by the judge that he will more than likely die in prison.

Jennifer Septhon, head of Farnborough Road Infants School, said it had been a "real privilege to have known" Elsie.

"From her nursery days being carried on Dad's shoulders into the playground, she was a girl with a super, beaming smile," said Ms Septhon. "Someone who loved life, school and her friends."

She described how Elsie loved "performing, singing, dancing and being on stage".

Ms Septhon added: "Elsie was adored by her friends and known by everyone in school due to the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious energy, caring nature and charismatic personality.

"It's difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

"We miss you, Elsie. You were one of a kind."

Natasha Sandland, head teacher of Marshside Primary, described Bebe as an "amazing young lady full of giggles and love".

She remembered how the little girl's "beautiful toothless smile brightened up the darkest days".

"We grieve her loss every single day and will remember her with nothing but happy and fun memories," she said.

"We will never associate her loss with this unthinkable act."

Ms Sandland said the school's focus was on supporting Bebe's family and friends, as well as members of staff and the wider community.

Alice's head teacher Jinne Payne, from Churchtown Primary School, described the nine-year-old as "joy embodied".

She said: "To all the victims and their families and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support.

"As a school, we are committed to wrapping our arms around you and the entire community as we walk this path of grief and recovery together."

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