MOVING TRIBUTE

Tearful crowds blow bubbles at emotional vigil for three girls killed in Southport knife attack

A hospital in Liverpool has discharged the last of the eight children seriously hurt in the incident

HUNDREDS of locals, many of them children, held a vigil and blew bubbles “all the way to heaven” for the three dance-loving girls killed in Southport.

Tearful well-wishers embraced outside the town’s Atkinson Theatre where many left cards, flowers, stuffed toys and balloons, as they marked a week since the attack.

Dave Nelson
Tearful well-wishers embraced outside Southport’s Atkinson Theatre where many left cards, flowers, stuffed toys and balloons

Dave Nelson
Emotional crowds marked a week since the attack

It claimed the lives of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, in the Merseyside town.

Vigil organiser Kylie Clift, who was donated the bubbles by local shops, arcades and ­charities, said before the mass tribute: “I feel a great importance in our children being able to grieve too.

“They can express so much emotion through fun yet sensitive activities, like bubble blowing.

“There will be time to take a moment and remember those we have lost and those who still continue to fight.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has discharged the last of the eight children seriously hurt in the outrage when a -knifeman burst into a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last Monday.

It thanked those who responded to the horror and those caring for people affected.

A spokesman said: “We also want to thank all who sent well wishes to Alder Hey and to the families.

“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those impacted.”

One child is still recovering from serious injuries at a different hospital in Merseyside.

Inquests into the deaths are set to open today.

New video shows 'knifeman' stalking streets hours before killing 3 girls, ITV News

PA
The attacks claimed the lives of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine

AP
A man waters the floral tribute in Southport

Reuters
A police car sits parked near the site

Getty
School friends blow bubbles as people gather to mourn
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