Parents of Bebe King, six, who was stabbed to death at Taylor Swift dance class in Southport, pay tribute to their ‘shining star’ – and reveal how her nine-year-old sister managed to escape after witnessing an ‘unimaginable act of violence’

The parents of six-year-old Bebe King, who died in a knife attack in Southport in July, have paid tribute to their “shining star” in a moving message.

Bebe was one of three children tragically murdered in Stockport on July 29, when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, walked into a Taylor Swift dance class and began indiscriminately attacking her.

Eight children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35. All victims have since been discharged.

Bebe King’s parents today shared their grief in a statement released by Merseyside Police, saying their “world has been 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 be in our hearts as the sweet, kind and spirited girl we love,” they said, before thanking the community for the “outpouring of love and support” during an “unimaginably difficult time”.

They also took time to acknowledge their nine-year-old daughter Genie, who witnessed the terrifying attack before escaping.

“She has shown such incredible strength and courage and we are so proud of her,” the parents said.

The family shared a photo of Bebe (pictured center) as they paid a touching tribute

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

“Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love, and she will always be in our hearts as the sweet, kind and spirited girl we love,” the family said in a statement today.

Community members arrive for a vigil in memory of the victims on August 5

“We would like to thank our oldest daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape,” the parents continued.

“She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her 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.

“Our thoughts are also with everyone involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope they find strength and healing in the days ahead.

‘We send our love and hope to the children who witnessed this terrible event, that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.

‘To the emergency services, who acted so carefully and professionally on that terrible day: thank you.

“Your support has continued and you have cared for our family with compassion and dedication. We will be forever grateful for the way you have helped us through this difficult time.

“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us so much love, thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and helped us find solace in our grief.

‘We are also thinking of the families of Elsie and Alice, who share this unimaginable loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will always be our shining star, and we will carry her with us in all that we do.”

Bebe was one of three children who tragically died in Stockport on July 29.

Eight children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35. All victims have since been released from hospital.

Suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, has been charged with the murder of the three children and 10 counts of attempted murder.

Bebe King’s family thanked their community for the outpouring of support

Artist’s impression of Axel Rudakubana covering his face at Liverpool Crown Court on August 1

Community members, family and friends blow bubbles as people come together to mourn the victims of the horrific knife attack by holding a vigil at Atkinson on August 5

Three children died and ten people were injured in the attacks. A vigil was held for the victims on August 5, while the community came together to support the grieving family.

This week, Bebe King’s grandfather spoke of his grief over the loss of the little girl and said the family was planning a wedding the day after the attack.

Michael Weston King, 62, wrote in a statement on social media: ‘As many, but not all, are aware, I would like to take this time to confirm that my granddaughter Bebe (my eldest son’s youngest daughter) was one of three girls murdered in Southport last Monday.

‘An act of such importance, yet so senseless, is impossible to understand. We are destitute, but come together as a family, already very close, to support each other and especially my son, daughter-in-law and my other granddaughter.

‘Bebe was such a sweet, happy little thing. She loved life, especially music and theatre, and enjoyed the deep affection her family and friends had for her.

‘Monday’s events were all the more poignant because we were gathered for my eldest daughter’s wedding, which was to take place the following day – a joyful, beautiful family affair.

“The transition from joy to despair in a matter of moments is profound.”

Mr Weston King said the family had found comfort in messages of support from across the country and praised police for their “great dignity”.

He added: ‘However, I would like to thank everyone who has sent messages. It is vital to feel the love and support of so many dear and close friends. They are, were and will continue to be a great comfort.

The musician, who formed British country duo My Darling Clementine and previously fronted alternative country band The Good Sons, was referring to the ugly riots that have broken out across the country following the attack.

He wrote: ‘I will not comment on what has happened in the country in the aftermath, except to say that peace, love and understanding is what we need, and that is all we need. Nothing else.

“And to anyone who is lucky enough to have grandchildren, I say: enjoy every moment.”

The riots were partly caused by misinformation about the suspect who has now been charged and was involved in the July 29 attacks.

The false claims that he was a Muslim asylum seeker were debunked when Judge Menary KC lifted his anonymity, citing the “idiotic riots” that were sweeping the country.