Lucy Devine
Police have named the three children who died in the horrific Southport stabbing.
The three girls killed in the attack have been named by Merseyside Police as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
It is reported that the children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday (29 July) at the time of the incident.
In a statement, Bebe's family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
Meanwhile, the family of Alice paid tribute to their 'princess' saying: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”
Meanwhile, a translated statement on Facebook from relative Carina Aguiar - who is believed to be Alice's auntie - reads: "Princess Alice. In this moment of great pain... it hurts the body... it hurts the mind. A lump in the throat.
"You were just an innocent child, a happy little girl, smiling, who had a funny life ahead.
"Which despicable being took... no pain, no mercy... without any reason at all.
"Fly high little star... love you."
While it is not being treated as terror-related, police have said the motive behind the heinous act is currently unclear.
Merseyside Police declared a major incident after the attack, with armed response, 13 ambulances and the fire service called out to the scene, believed to be a holiday club for children aged six to 11.
Five other children remain in a critical condition, as well as two adults who were also present.
Tragically, two other children were also killed in the attack.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: "Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday 29 July.
"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July.
"We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.
"Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.
"Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident."
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack.