Inquests to begin into deaths of three girls killed in Southport stabbing

The inquests into the deaths of three little girls who were killed in a stabbing in Southport are set to be opened today.

Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space on Monday, July 29. Their inquests will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside today (August 7).

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with their murder. A trial date has been set for January 20 next year.

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The teenager will also stand trial accused of 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Alder Hey Children's Hospital revealed yesterday that all children in their care, who had been admitted with injuries linked to the Southport stabbing, had now been discharged.

Since their deaths, Bebe, Alice and Elsie's family, friends and the local community have paid tributes to them, with a number of vigils held in the town to remember the girls. Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack on Hart Street, as well as in the town centre.

In a statement, Bebe’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

Alice’s family said: “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. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

Elsie’s great-aunt described her as 'lovely, sweet and gentle', BBC News reported. Jean Stevenson said her grand-niece was 'absolutely the sweetest child you could