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Southport falls silent to remember victims - two years on since horrific knife attack

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Lancashire, on July 29, 2024

[Southport fell silent two years on from the horrific attack which claimed three young lives]

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Southport fell silent two years on from the horrific attack which claimed three young lives(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Southport fell silent today two years on from the horrific attack which claimed three young lives.

People embraced in the town hall gardens as they joined a three-minute silence to remember July 29, 2024, when Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Eight other children, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes were also physically injured in the attack.

Victims and survivors were remembered during the silence, with members of the public, Sefton Council and Merseyside Police all taking part. Many bowed their heads in remembrance while others wiped away tears.

[Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar were tragically killed]

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(From left to right) Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar were tragically killed(Image: PA)

In a statement posted on social media, with a pink background, Merseyside Police said: Today we pause to remember the light, the kindness and the joy that Alice, Bebe and Elsie brought into this world.

We will never forget that day or the impact it has had on those whose lives were taken, their loved ones, those who survived, and those who responded.

[Southport fell silent to remember the three young lives lost two years ago]

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Southport fell silent to remember the three young lives lost two years ago(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

People were encouraged not to leave floral tributes but instead to donate to local causes.

Following their deaths, foundations were set up in memory of Alice, Bebe and Elsie.

Alice's WonderDance Foundation aims to spread Alices magic by supporting young dancers and Elsie's Story hopes to continue her legacy by supporting young people and children. Bebes Hive was launched to support grieving children with creative sessions.

[Southport fell silent to remember the three young lives]

View 4 Images

Mourners struggled to hold back their tears on the difficult day in Southport(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

In an open letter to the community last week, Sefton Council said local spaces had been identified for residents to go to say a prayer, light a candle, speak to someone or spend a quiet moment reflecting.

The council said: We fully understand that many of us still need to grieve and to acknowledge the day and there is no right or wrong way to do this.

Whether you choose to attend a reflective space, observe the silence, spend time with loved ones, or simply take a quiet moment to yourself, we encourage everyone to do whatever feels most appropriate to you.

Earlier this year, a public inquiry found the attack could and should have been prevented if steps had been taken by agencies and the killer's parents.

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