The parents of the little girls killed in the Southport stabbings have told of the "energy" and the "spark" that their children had before their lives were cut tragically short.
Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were stabbed to death by Axel Rudakubana, 18, on July 29. He was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years following the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town.
He also attempted to murder eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
And their families have now spoken about how the local community has helped them through the horrific period. Following the attack vast numbers of flowers and toys were left by the town hall in Southport, with a display arranged by the Lord Street in Bloom gardening group.
Bebe's parents talking of the reaction from locals reportedly said: "It's about this community. It has brought light in the darkness, these little moments. And that's what we're constantly looking for right now."
Her father said how he searched the streets for his daughter until a police officer gave a description that matched her. "We had given people Bebe's description. When that person came towards me, I could feel the blood drain from me and I went cold," the 43-year-old told the Sunday Times.
"I knew she was going to tell me something. And she did. 'Are you Bebe's dad?' As soon as I said yes she said she had passed away." Bebe's mum added: "Bebe operated on such a high frequency. She had this power to connect with people and the relationships she had with all her family members were different but very special. She had this innate kindness. She had a spark."
While Elsie's mum Jenni Stancombe told how her husband had dropped her off at 10am with her daughter a massive Swiftie fan. "Everyone says it, don't they, that they're one of a kind. But she truly was.
"It was an honour to be her mum. Sometimes I think people are born special, and I genuinely believe she was." Both Elsie's parents said that she was full of energy and had tried out lots of sports from gymnastics to swimming. The life of an "extraordinary girl" Elsie was remembered with balloons, bubbles and one of her favourite Taylor Swift songs at her funeral.
Mourners including family dog Bobby gathered outside St John's Church in Birkdale to see the horse-drawn carriage, which travelled from the family home through streets decorated with pink ribbons. Welcoming the congregation to the church for the service, Reverend Jennie Hardy described Elsie as "a little girl who loved a big party".
She added: "Her last birthday was an Elsie-fest and today we are continuing that theme." In a tribute, teacher Katie Sykes, from Farnborough Road School, said: "She made everybody smile just by being her." A stunning floral scene for all three girls could be seen in front of the Town Hall following the attack which King Charles also visited last year.
Helen Marshall, 71, a member of the Lord Street in Bloom gardening group, who knew Alice and Elsie watched in wonder at the tributes that have been left and painted a picture of people wanting to celebrate the girls lives as well as mourn their terrible loss.
"There are teddy bears, thousands of flowers, some days we didn't know where to turn, we put them in water, try and display them as well as possible, there are little children that come with things, my granddaughter brought her toy," Helen, a retired schoolteacher told The Mirror at the time.
"There are three large laminated photos of the three girls, some one has put tiaras on them, there are bracelets, angels on sticks, wands. Everyone is doing something, lots of children, they've made painted pebbles, every day we've made sure that each of the girls has the best flowers."
Helen attended the funeral of Alice at St Patrick's parish church where she sings in the choir and she spoke of how "dignified" were her family. She said there was humour as well as sadness during the service. "Her mum and dad were very dignified, they were amazing and the parish priest was very good, He wasn't dour and spoke very well, if you have faith, we are Catholics, that helps in moments like this," Helen added.
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