Inquests open into deaths of three children killed in Southport attack

Jamie Lopez
2 Min Read
Alice, Elsie and Bebe

The inquests have opened into the deaths of three young girls killed in the Southport knife attack.

Elsie Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Da Silva Aguiar all died as a result of injuries sustained in that attack at the Hart Space last Monday. A short hearing was held at Bootle Town Hall this morning where senior coroner Julie Goulding opened the inquests and adjourned and suspended them to allow the criminal investigation to take place.

The result of today’s hearing was that each family can now receive their child’s death certificate and therefore proceed with their funerals.

James Martindale, coroner’s assistant, told the hearing that each girl had attended a dance and yoga class shortly before 10am. He said: “Some time between 11.40 and 11.50am a male who has now been identified as Axel Rudakubana entered the premises and is then alleged to have attacked those children present.

“Three children died and other children and adults were injured, some critically.”

After Mr Martindale summed up those circumstances, Ms Goulding adjourned and suspended each inquest. She then offered her condolences to those close to the young girls.

Ms Goulding said: “It is impossible to adequately articulate the devastating lifelong effects the truly tragic events of Monday the 29th of July 2024 have had and will continue to have on the parents, families and friends of Elsie, Bebe and Alice who cruelly lost their young lives in such horrific circumstances.

“The three young children were full of life and energy and will be missed beyond any description my woefully inadequate words may attempt to describe.

“I therefore offer my deepest condolences to Elsie, Bebe and Alice’s parents, families and friends and those heartfelt condolences of all of my staff here at the coroners court.”

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