Alice was described as the "most kind-hearted child with thick brown hair that danced as she walked" As hundreds filled St Patrick's Catholic Church to remember Alice Da Silva Aguiar, it's the words of Alice's parents that will remain in the memories of those who attended. In their heartbreaking and moving tribute to their nine-year-old daughter who was tragically killed in the Southport attack last week, they told their "beautiful angel" "we will always, always love you.” Alice was one of three children killed in the stabbing at The Hart Space in Southport during a Taylor Swift dance class on Monday, July 29.
The family announced online that they would be holding a private funeral service at St Patrick's Catholic Church, with hundreds appearing to pay their respects to the schoolgirl. Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and the advisor to the Secretary of State for Portugal all attended, as well as members of the emergency services who were at the scene of the attack. As silence gripped the mourners outside, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, Mrs Payne, spoke candidly and emotionally.
She said: "Alice wore a natural smile everyday, it wasn't forced or put on." She continued to say how she "took her manners everywhere" and showed a "genuine interest" in everything she did. Fighting back tears, she finished her moving tribute to the nine-year-old: "Let your beaming smile guide you and you will forever be in our Churchtown .