Southport stabbings: Three girls killed in shocking attack officially named with youngest being just SIX years old

The three young girls killed in yesterday’s stabbings in Southport have been named by police.

Merseyside Police said the trio’s names and ages were Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

In a tribute issued through the police, King’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.”

While the family of Alice Aguiar 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.”

A Merseyside Police statement said: “Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.”

Emergency services were called to Hart Street at around 12pm yesterday in the aftermath of the stabbing, before armed police detained a 17-year-old boy, seizing a knife.

The teenage boy, born in Cardiff and confirmed by police to be from Banks in Lancashire, remains in custody following the stabbings – but the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

A vigil for the dead and injured in the stabbings is set to be held on Tuesday evening, while local Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this incredibly sad time.”

More to follow…