The grieving parents of the nine-year-old girl tragically killed in a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop shared a heartwarming image of their daughter at the event. The photo depicts Alice da Silva Aguiar next to a cardboard cutout of Swift at the Hart Space community center in Southport. Alice was one of three young girls who lost their lives in the attack.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Southport to pay their respects to Alice as her funeral took place. During the service, Alice’s parents, Sergio and Alexandra, shared a touching statement expressing their deep love for their daughter. They described Alice as a perfect child with strong values, kindness towards animals, and a budding environmentalist.
The parents reminisced about the precious moments spent with Alice, highlighting her passion for dancing and dedication to her schoolwork. They expressed their sorrow over the loss of their daughter, emphasizing the pain of not being able to see her grow up. Sergio and Alexandra questioned whether they could have done more to prevent Alice’s untimely death, a thought that haunts them to this day.
In addition to the final photo released by the parents, several other images showcasing different stages of Alice’s life were shared with the public. These photos capture her journey from ballet classes to school outings, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant young girl she was.
At the funeral service, Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, fondly remembered Alice as a lively student who enjoyed playing the ukulele in the school choir. She shared anecdotes about Alice’s quirky personality and love for porridge, portraying her as a child full of life and imagination.
Following the tragic incident, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy addressed the community, urging them to refrain from violence in the wake of Alice’s death. She expressed deep regret over the misinformation that led to far-right riots across the UK, emphasizing the need for peace and unity during such trying times.
The service concluded with a poignant message from Labour’s Southport MP, Patrick Hurley, expressing the town’s collective grief and shock over the loss of Alice and her young companions. Portuguese politician Sara Madruga da Costa also extended gratitude to the UK authorities for their response to the tragedy, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
As Alice’s white coffin was carried into the church, the crowd outside listened attentively to the proceedings relayed through loudspeakers. Pink ribbons and balloons adorned the town, serving as symbols of remembrance and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
The funeral procession honored not only Alice but also the other victims of the senseless attack, including Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe. The outpouring of support from the community underscored the profound impact of the tragedy and the need for healing and reflection in its aftermath.
