Floral tributes are being left outside Churchtown Primary School in Southport in tribute to the girls killed as they enjoyed a Taylor Swift dance and yoga class on Monday.
Families have been left devastated by the tragic deaths of Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine in an atrocity in which several other girls and adults were horrifically injured.
Alice Da Silva Aguiar was a Year 4 pupil at Churchtown Primary School while Bebe King was a former pupil.
People have since been visiting the school, on Sunny Road in Churchtown, to remember the girls.
A Churchtown Primary School spokesperson said: “Today, Sunday 4th August, the school community are invited to make a floral tribute to help us express our feelings and emotions during such a difficult time. This is a beautiful way of creating a personal tribute for Alice DaSilva Aguiar and, as a former pupil, Bebe King.
“The floral tributes can be laid outside the front school gates (the gates to the office reception). Where possible, please bring plants, which we can then eventually plant in the school grounds. There will however be buckets with water in prepared if you bring flowers. Pink ribbons can also be tied to the gates, railings and hedges as a tribute also. These tributes can be laid at anytime but from 1.30pm, buckets of water will be available to place flowers.”
Jinnie Payne, Headteacher of Churchtown Primary, said: “It is with great sadness that we heard the tragic news about the three children who died following yesterday’s atrocity, including Alice Da Silva Aguiar, a Year 4 pupil at Churchtown and Bebe King, a former pupil.
“Alice was the happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine. She was known and loved by everyone in our school community of 700 children, a testament to her unique ability to connect with others.
“Alice’s radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy. Her kindness, playful nature, and zest for trying new things will forever be remembered. Alice, you will always hold a special place in our hearts at Churchtown.
“Bebe was a joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community. During her time at the school, Bebe’s considerate nature and her love of learning shone through in everything that she did. Each day, she would come into school ready to grasp every opportunity available to her and fun and laughter were never far away whenever Bebe was involved. Her considerate nature meant that she had many friends and she always ensured all children felt included, whether that was through play or working together in the classroom. Bebe’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“Our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of both Alice and Bebe during this impossibly difficult time.
“We know that a number of other children from Churchtown were also involved in the attack, along with much-loved colleagues. We extend our heartfelt wishes to all those families affected by this horrific incident, including those currently in hospital or continuing to receive treatment.
“We sincerely hope for their swift and full recovery.”
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