The inquests into the deaths of three girls who were fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport are set to be opened today.

Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed and several others were injured on 29 July. The inquests will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.

It comes after a church service for Alice took place on Tuesday afternoon, where the nine-year-old was described as “the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world”.

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Poignant speeches were read in English and Portuguese in the service at St Patrick’s Church in Southport.

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 member of staff from Alice’s school read out messages from her classmates, including one that said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.”

The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church following the ceremony.

Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack in Hart Street and several vigils have taken place in the town to remember the girls.

Merseyside Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers.

Read more:
Southport is clear – mourning should be the focus
Acts of kindness show Southport won’t let violence win
Southport victims treated at Alder Hey ‘safely discharged’

Axel Rudakubana, who turns 18 today, 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.

Misinformation spread after the attack sparked violent disorder across several towns and cities in the UK, resulting in around 400 people being detained.

Around 100 individuals have been charged, according to director of public prosecutions Stephen Parkinson.

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