Youngest of three girls killed in stabbing at British dance class is bid farewell at moving funeral

Youngest of three girls killed in stabbing at British dance class is bid farewell at moving funeral

Six-year-old Bebe King was the second of the girls buried in Southport following the July 29 murders. The killings sparked nationwide unrest that lasted for over a week. Far-right groups spread misinformation and falsely identified the suspect as a Muslim asylum seeker.

King’s family issued a statement a week ago calling her a spirited girl “full of joy, light and love.”

The victims of the knife attack in Southport were named as Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. (Included in delivery)

“Our hearts are broken, but we take some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so loved by everyone who knew her,” said Lauren and Ben King and their other daughter Genie.

“She will forever be our shining star and we will carry her with us in everything we do.”

They asked the media not to photograph the funeral and restricted the service at St. Cuthbert’s Church to those who knew them best.

They asked those invited to wear bright clothing and asked other supporters to light a candle in their memory.

Flowers are laid near the scene in Hart Street, Southport, United Kingdom, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, where two children died and nine were injured in a “brutal” knife attack at a Taylor Swift event at a dance school on Monday. (James Speakman/PA via AP)

King, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, were killed in the attack that injured ten other people, including two adults.

King’s older sister Genie witnessed the attack but escaped, her parents said.

“She has shown such incredible strength and courage and we are so proud of her,” the statement said.

“Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”

The funeral of Aguiar, who was described by her parents as a “perfect dream child,” took place last Sunday.

Anti-racism protesters take to the streets to protest against right-wing extremist unrest

Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, spoke at the funeral and relayed the parents’ message calling for an end to the violent unrest. She said no one should commit acts of violence in their daughter’s name.

The riots broke out the night after the stabbings, following a peaceful vigil in Southport.

A gang consisting mainly of men marched towards a mosque, threw bricks and bottles at the police and set fire to a police car.

Dozens of police officers were injured. The next day, riots broke out in London and several other cities, spreading as far as Belfast in Northern Ireland during the course of the week.

Cars were set on fire, shops were looted and hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked by angry mobs.

A police officer receives flowers to lay at the scene of the knife attack in Southport, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (Getty)

More than 1,000 people have been arrested so far, and about 100 people have been sentenced to prison terms of up to six years in efforts to ensure swift justice.

The unrest largely ended on August 7, when police prepared for protests by far-right agitators in 100 different locations.

Apart from a few isolated incidents, these demonstrators did not attend the protests. Instead, large anti-racism marches took place.

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