Hundreds of people have gathered for the funeral of a nine-year-old girl who was killed in the Southport stabbing attack.

Members of the public lined a street in the Merseyside town to honour Alice da Silva Aguiar as the funeral procession arrived.

They were joined by around 30 uniformed police officers and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.

Applause broke out from the crowd as the carriage containing Alice’s white coffin approached the entrance of St Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The carriage was drawn by two white horses sporting orange and white plumes.

Alice’s parents Sergio and Alexandra were joined by family and friends for the service, while several hundred people listened outside as it was relayed on loudspeakers.

Pink ribbons and balloons were tied to lampposts and garden walls in the town.

Alice died along with six-year-old Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July.

On Saturday, Bebe’s parents Lauren and Ben described their daughter as “full of joy, light, and love”.

“She will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore,” the couple said.

They also revealed Bebe’s nine-year-old sister Genie witnessed the attack and managed to escape.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

The incident sparked nationwide disorder after misinformation spread online that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 779 people have been arrested over rioting, of whom 349 have been charged.

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