What we know about victims of Southport dance studio attack

Three young girls have died after a knife attack at a dance studio which left five other children and two adults in a critical condition in hospital.

Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed in the stabbing in Southport on Monday.

The victims were named by Merseyside Police, which has arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

In a tribute, a family member said Alice was “a happy smiley girl who had a bright life ahead of her”, while Bebe’s family said “no words” could described the “loss of our little girl”.

A spokeswoman for Alder Hey said two of the seven children who had been brought to the children’s hospital for treatment after the incident remained in “critical care, but currently in a stable condition”.

Five children and two adults remain in a critical condition after the North West Ambulance Service confirmed on Monday that victims were taken to Alder Hey and Royal Manchester Children’s hospitals, Aintree University Hospital, Southport and Formby District General Hospital and Ormskirk District General Hospital.

A vigil for all those affected by what police described as a “ferocious attack” at the Taylor Swift theme event will take place outside the Atkinson building in Southport at about 18:00 BST.

A family member of Portuguese girl Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who died from her injuries early on Tuesday, said she was a “a happy smiley girl who had a bright life ahead of her” in a tribute on Facebook.

Portugal Communities Minister Jose Cesario said his government was in “direct contact” with Alice’s aunt and would continue to give the family “the support they need”.

In a TV interview in Portugal, he said the parents of the nine-year-old were in a “state of shock”.

A crowdfunding page has been set up by the employers of one of Alice’s parents, Benridge Care Group and Good Companions.

It said they were “completely stunned by the tragic loss of Alice”.

“She has been a part of the Good Companions family since she was a baby.”

Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old boy, from Banks in Lancashire, remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the attack.

The force added that specialist officers were supporting the families of those injured “at this terrible time”.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, a pupil at Farnborough Road Infant School, has been described as “such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please” by her school.

In a tribute headteacher Jennifer Sephton said had been a “loving and bright member of our wonderful community” since she was “first brought here on her father’s shoulders”.

The school was “heartbroken and devastated” by her death, she added.

“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.”

The family of six-year-old Bebe King, the youngest of the three victims killed in the attack, has shared a tribute after her death.

They said “no words can described the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

Marshside Primary School, where Bebe was a pupil, was “deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars”, headteacher Natasha Sandland said.

“Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today,” she said.

The school community is focused on supporting her family and friends, school staff, and “our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident”, Ms Sandland said.

Tributes have also been paid to yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, thought to be 35, who the BBC understands was running the summer holiday dance and yoga class.

“Your bravery has touched the heart of the nation, we are all praying for you and the families affected,” one Instagram user said.

“Thoughts and prayers are with you Leanne, keep fighting,” another wrote.