Southport victim Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, poses with Taylor Swift cutout moments before tragedy struck

SOUTHPORT stabbing victim Alice Da Silva Aguiar's heartbroken family have shared heart-wrenching photos of their daughter after her funeral today.

One of the images shows the nine-year-old excitedly posing next to a Taylor Swift cutout moments before tragedy struck at a holiday dance class on July 29.

Other pictures released by the family showed her smiling in her school uniform and posing in different outfits, including a cowgirl hat regularly worn by Taylor Swift concertgoers or 'Swifties'.

Several photos show Alice wearing a ballet dress as she performed and danced from a young age.

Alice was one of three little girls tragically killed in the brutal attack at a Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop in Merseyside on July 29.

She died on Tuesday, July 30, a day after the atrocity, which also stole the lives of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six.

Alice's heartbroken parents, Sergio and Alexandra, were joined by family and friends at the private service and cremation.

Hundreds of mourners dressed all in white gathered along Marshside Road to pay their respects.

Paramedics arrived with large flower arrangements and pink heart shaped balloons.

Pink ribbons and balloons were also tied to nearby lampposts and garden walls.

A huge display of floral tributes was laid outside the church to honour Alice's memory, and bubbles released into the air.

Mourners applauded as the coffin, covered by pink roses, arrived in a beautiful white horse-drawn carriage through the streets.

It was accompanied by about 30 uniformed officers as a heavy police presence remains in the area.

Several hundred people entered the church while more listened outside as the service was broadcast on speakers.

Among those who also gathered were Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, along with officers from the police, ambulance and fire services.

Father John Heneghan, the parish priest of St Marie and St Patrick Catholic Churches in Southport said Alice had a "rainbow smile" and was "one of our most precious children".

The youngster had only just received her First Holy Communion three months ago.

"It is going to be profoundly sad, but it's not only going to be that, because we will be looking into what her parents believe," said Father John before the service.

"Alexandra and Sergio, her mum and dad, believe in the resurrection. They don't believe this is the end.

"So the way they express that is 'let her dance to heaven', because she loved dancing, and that is a beautiful image."

He added: "Our hearts reach out to her family and the families of the two other girls who died and those who are injured.

"We hold in our hearts all who are affected by the terrible stabbings in our town."

Tributes poured in for young Alice last month after her family confirmed she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Her heartbroken loved ones said she would "always be their princess".

An emotional tribute read: "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you're always our princess and no one would change that.