'Feeling Bebe's presence is what keeps us going'

The family of Bebe King have said her presence remains with them every day "and that feeling is what keeps us going", in a tribute released one year on from the Southport knife attack.

The six-year-old was murdered, along with Alice Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on 29 July 2024.

In a message posted on Instagram to mark a year since the attack, Bebe's family asked "how are we nearly here already?" alongside a broken heart emoji.

Paying tribute to Elsie and Alice, they said their "light" continued to shine "so brightly" through their parents, adding: "We're proud to walk alongside them".

"Our girls' energy will continue to shimmer," they said.

"And to every brave child, every adult, every family whose lives were changed forever that day - we see you and we're sending you so much love."

Bebe was described as "a truly remarkable little girl who brought so much joy to so many".

"It's time for us to take the space we need," they said.

"To feel, to breathe, to hold each other close. To just be."

Bebe's family set up Bebe's Hive to provide creative sessions using art, music and storytelling to help bereaved children.

"To be able to create something so purposeful, so needed, has given us a strength we didn't know we had," the family said.

"A reason. A focus.

"We love and thank every single person who has helped us carry this.

"Her light, her care, her spark - it lives on, and we'll continue it for as long as we can."

Bebe's family also thanked their "incredible family and friends" for their support, along with "our amazing community", adding "your kindness has saved us".

The tribute ended with a reference to For Good - a song from Bebe's favourite musical, Wicked.

"And to my Beebs... to quote from our favourite musical... because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

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