Parents of little girl k!lled at Taylor Swift-themed dance class pay heartbreaking tribute ahead of funeral

Parents of Bebe King, six, who was stabbed to death at Taylor Swift dance class in Southport pay tribute to their ‘shimmering star’ – and reveal how her nine-year-old sister managed to escape after witnessing ‘unimaginable act of violence’  The parents of six-year-old Bebe King, who was killed in the Southport knife attack in July, have paid tribute to their ‘shimmering star’ in a heartfelt message.

Bebe was one of three children tragically murdered in Southport on July 29 when a knifeman entered a Taylor Swift dance class and began attacking indiscriminately.  Eight children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35. All of the casualties have since been discharged.

Lauren and Ben King today shared their grief in a statement, telling how their ‘world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter’.  ‘Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore,’ they said, before thanking the community for an ‘outpouring of love and support’ in an ‘unimaginably difficult time’.

They also revealed that their nine-year-old daughter, Genie, witnessed the horrifying attack before escaping.  ‘She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her,’ they said.

                              The family shared a photo of Bebe (pictured centre) as they released a touching tribute

Bebe (right) was one of three girls stabbed to death in the horrific attack in Southport in July

Members of the community arrive ahead of a vigil to remember the victims on August 5

Genie’s ‘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 parents said in a heartbreaking comment shared via Merseyside Police today.  ‘Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead.’

Lauren and Ben King said that the loss of their daughter had left their hearts broken ‘beyond repair’ as they acknowledged the ‘two other beautiful souls’ victim to the attack, Elsie and Alice.  ‘To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them,’ they continued.

‘To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you.  ‘Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.

‘To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief.  ‘We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.

‘Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her.  ‘She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.’  Bebe was one of three children who were tragically killed in Southport on July 29.  Eight children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35.  Suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17 from Lancashire, has been charged with murdering the three children and 10 counts of attempted murder.

This week, Bebe King’s grandfather told of his anguish over the loss of the little girl and revealed the family had been due to celebrate a wedding the day after the attack.  Michael Weston King, 62, wrote in a statement shared on social media: ‘As many but not all know, I am taking this moment to confirm that my granddaughter Bebe (the younger daughter of my eldest son) was one of the three girls killed in Southport last Monday.

‘An act of such consequence, yet so pointless, is impossible to comprehend. We are bereft but coming together as a family, which was already very close-knit, to support each other and in particular my son, daughter-in-law and my other granddaughter.  ‘Bebe was such a sweet, happy little thing. Loving life, in particular music and theatre, and enjoying the deep affection in which she was held by her family and friends.

‘Monday’s events were all the more poignant as we were gathering for my eldest daughter’s wedding, which should have taken place the following day – a joyous, beautiful family occasion.  ‘The shift from joy to despair in a matter of moments is profound.’  Mr Weston King told how the family had been comforted by messages of support from across the country and praised police for their ‘great dignity’.

He added: ‘I would though like to thank everyone who has sent messages. To feel the love and support of so many dear and close friends has been vital. They have, been, and continue to be a great comfort.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, was also fatally wounded during the attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class

The musician, who formed the British country music duo My Darling Clementine and was formerly the leader of the alternative country band The Good Sons, referred to ugly riots which have broken out across the country in the wake of the attack.

He wrote: ‘I won’t comment on what has happened around the country in the aftermath, other than to say peace, love and understanding is what we need, and it is all we need. Nothing else.  ‘And to any of you who have been blessed with grand kids, I simply say, savour every minute.’  The riots were partly prompted by misinformation about the suspect, now charged, involved in the attacks on July 29.  False claims he was an Islamist asylum seeker were debunked when Judge Menary KC lifted his anonymity, citing the ‘idiotic rioting’ sweeping the country.