Parents of girl, 6, killed in Southport reveal her sister saw attack before escaping – as they share heartbreaking pic
Bebe's family said she was a 'sweet, kind, and spirited girl'
THE devastated parents of a six-year-old girl tragically killed in the horrific Southport attack have revealed her sister saw the stabbing – but managed to escape.
Bebe King was one of three young girls killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift dance class in the Merseyside town last month.
The six-year-old was killed alongside Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Bebe’s family have released a tribute to their “precious daughter” this afternoon.
They said Bebe was a “sweet, kind, and spirited girl” adored by her family.
The family also hailed the brave emergency services who battled to save the girls as well as the wider Southport community.
And they paid tribute to “beautiful souls” Elsie and Alice and their families.
Bebe’s family said: “On Monday, the 29th of July, 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.
They added: “Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love.
“She will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
“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.
“The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
The family also revealed that Bebe’s older sister Genie escaped after witnessing the horror attack.
They said: “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.
“We will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured.
“We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead. 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“With love and gratitude, Lauren, Ben, and Genie.”
Suspect in court
AXEL Muganwa Rudakubana has been named as the Southport attack suspect after a judge lifted reporting restrictions just days before his 18th birthday.
Rudakubana, 17, rocked back and forth in the dock as he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on August 1 charged with three counts of murder.
He is also accused of ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article – a curved kitchen knife used in the attack.
The prosecution said he had an “autism spectrum disorder diagnosis” and had been “unwilling to leave the house and communicate with family for a period of time”.
Usually, any defendants aged under 18 are entitled to anonymity but Judge Andrew Menary KC declined to make such an order to conceal his identity.
He instead announced Rudakubana could be named after hearing legal submissions – telling the court that not doing so would allow others to “spread misinformation”.
He said: “Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, principally because he is 18 in six days’ time, I do not make an order under section 45.
“Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.”
Rudakubana, who lives in Banks, Lancashire, but is from Cardiff originally, was remanded into custody until October 25.
No plea was entered but a provisional trial date, lasting six weeks, was scheduled for January 20.
The teen earlier appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where he smiled as entered the dock.
Rudakubana then covered his face using the sleeve from his grey prison-issue tracksuit in the dock.
It can now be revealed that Rudakubana was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents.
He has an older brother, who was also born in the Welsh capital, according to reports.
Rudakubana moved to Banks, a village in Lancashire located a few miles from Southport, in 2013.