EXCLUSIVE Heartbroken grandfather of six-year-old Bebe King who was killed during Southport stabbing reveals family were due to celebrate a wedding the next day - as inquest opens The six-year-old was among three little girls killed in the attack on July 29 By Shannon Mcguigan and John Siddle Published: 10:31, 7 August 2024 | Updated: 10:41, 7 August 2024 e-mail The heartbroken grandfather of a six-year-old girl killed in the Southport stabbings has revealed how the family had been due to celebrate a wedding the next day. Michael Weston King, 62, told of his anguish over the death of Bebe King, who was among three girls killed at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport last week. In a post to fans on Instagram , Mr Weston King shared that the news of the little girl's cruel death came as family members had gathered for his daughter's wedding, which was due to take place the following day.
The musician, father to Bebe's dad Ben King, 41, posted: 'As many but not all know, I am taking this moment to confirm that my granddaughter Bebe (the younger daughter of my eldest son) was one of the three girls killed in Southport last Monday. 'An act of such consequence, yet so pointless, is impossible to comprehend. We are bereft but coming together as a family, which was already very close-knit, to support each other and in particular my son, daughter-in-law and my other granddaughter.
Bebe King's grandfather, Michael Weston King, 62, (pictured with Bebe) released a touching tribute to his granddaughter revealing the family The heartbroken grandparent revealed the family were due to celebrate his daughter's wedding the following day after the harrowing Southport stabbings 'Bebe was such a sweet, happy little thing. Loving life, in particular music and theatre, and enjoying the deep affection in which she was held by her family and friends. 'Monday's events were all the more poignant as we were gathering for my eldest daughter's wedding, which should have taken place the following day - a joyous, beautiful family occasion.
'The shift from joy to despair in a matter of moments is profound.' Bebe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were also killed in the harrowing knife attack on Monday, July 29, at the Hart Space centre in the coastal town. Eight children and two adults were also seriously injured in the attack, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35.
All of the casualties have now been discharged. Mr Weston King's son and daughter-in-law Lauren yesterday posted sentimental images of little Bebe, who attended Marshside Primary School, on Facebook as friends offered their condolences and support. Mr Weston King told how the family had been comforted by messages of support from across the country and praised police for their 'great dignity'.
He added: 'I would though like to thank everyone who has sent messages. To feel the love and support of so many dear and close friends has been vital. They have, been, and continue to be a great comfort.
'Bebe was such a sweet, happy little thing. Loving life, in particular music and theatre, and enjoying the deep affection in which she was held by her family and friends,' Mr Weston King wrote (pictured: Bebe with her aunt) Mr Weston King shared that his family had been comforted by messages of support from across the country and praised police for their 'great dignity' 'Also to so many from my musical family, the great number of people that I know through music, either fellow artists, players or supporters. The musician, who formed the British country music duo My Darling Clementine and was formerly the leader of the alternative country band The Good Sons, referred to ugly riots which have broken out across the country in the wake of the attack.
He wrote: 'I won't comment on what has happened around the country in the aftermath, other than to say peace, love and understanding is what we need, and it is all we need. Nothing else. 'And to any of you who have been blessed with grand kids, I simply say, savour every minute.
' Mr Weston King posted a string of heart-warming pictures with his granddaughter, accompanied by a short verse which read: ''You and I both know/There is nothing more to say/Chance has shut her shining eyes/And turned her face away.' Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is set to stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. The inquests into the deaths of three young girls - Alice, Elsie and Bebe - are due to open today at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.
Over the last week family, friends and members of the local community have paid their respects to the victims of the attack. Bebe King, aged six, was among the three young girls killed in the attack in Southport, Merseyside Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, was also one of the victims of the fatal stabbings in Southport on Monday, July 29 Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, was also fatally wounded during the attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class People look on at floral tributes and balloons laid in the memory of the three girls in Southport Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack in Hart Street and a number of vigils have taken place in the town to remember the girls. In a statement, Bebe's family said: 'No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.
' Alice's family said: '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.' During a service at St Patrick's Church in Southport on Tuesday afternoon hundreds gathered in memory Alice at the well-attended 'celebration of life'.
The nine-year-old girl's parents, Sérgio and Alexandra. entered the memorial service at tightly clinging on to Alice's toy and ballet shoes. The grieving parents extended gratitude to locals for their continued support in the wake of their child's death.
One speaker fought back tears as she said: 'Alice, you are the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world and I hope you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep smiling and dancing with the girls.' She read out another message from the family, which said: 'We love you Alice, Your smile is extremely contagious and full of joy.
You never fail to uplift everyone's mood.' The service, led by Father John Heneghan, featured hymns and speeches read in both English and Portuguese. Leading the heartfelt tributes from Alice's school Churchtown Primary was her headteacher Jinnie Payne.
She said: 'If I could describe her in at least three words it would be amazing, caring and confident. 'If you were having a bad day and you needed someone - Alice would be there to help you. One of Alice's classmates said: 'You will be in our hearts forever.
You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met.' A little girl mourning among the floral tributes dedicated to Bebe, Alice and Elsie People attend a vigil for the victims of the Southport stabbings on Monday, August 5, a week on from the attack Axel Rudakubana, pictured centre in a court sketch on Thursday, August 1, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 attempted murders following the attacks A member of staff from Alice's school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: 'Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.' Prayers were also read out for Bebe and Elsie before the congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church following the ceremony.
Alice's funeral will be held this upcoming Sunday. Elsie's great-aunt described her as 'lovely, sweet and gentle', BBC News reported. Jean Stevenson said her grand-niece was 'absolutely the sweetest child you could ever wish to meet'.
Merseyside Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers. Five other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack at around 11.45am on July 29.
The children have all since been released from hospital. Since the incident riots have sprung up around the country, fuelled by misinformation spread online, with around 400 people arrested in connection with the violence. Around 100 individuals have been charged, according to director of public prosecutions Stephen Parkinson.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised communities 'will be safe' after a Cobra meeting and said those taking part in the unrest will 'feel the full force of the law'. Taylor Swift Share or comment on this article: Heartbroken grandfather of six-year-old Bebe King who was killed during Southport stabbing reveals family were due to celebrate a wedding the next day - as inquest opens e-mail.
