Mourners line Southport streets as coffin of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who died in dance class attack is laid to rest

11 August 2024, 15:37 | Updated: 11 August 2024, 19:41

Mourners line Southport streets as coffin of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who died in Taylor Swift dance class
Mourners line Southport streets as coffin of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who died in Taylor Swift dance class. Picture: alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

Hundreds of mourners have lined the streets to pay tribute to nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar who was killed in a mass stabbing in Southport.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

A white horse-drawn carriage carried the schoolgirl's body through the streets, with neighbours encouraged to tie pink ribbons to lamp posts and garden fences to honour her memory.

People lining the streets in Southport, including NWAS and MerseyPol Chief Con Serena Kennedy, ahead of Alice Dasilva Aguiar funeral

Several hundred people packed into the church while more listened outside as the service was relayed on loudspeakers.

According to the order of service, as mourners walked in the hymn, Christ be Beside Me, Christ Be Before Me, Christ be Behind Me, King of my heart was played.

Additional bible readings included from John 6:1, 6 and John 3:1, 2.

The schoolgirl was one of three girls to die in the attack after a knifeman targeted a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport on July 29.

Her parents Sergio and Alexandra were joined by family and friends at St Patrick's Catholic Church in the town, as the streets swelled with wellwishers.

Sergio and Alexandra said their daughter was their "perfect dream child" who they will "never see grow up".

They wrote a letter to their daughter that was read out at her funeral.

It said: "Dear Alice,You were our perfect dream child.

"Everything was idyllic from the moment you arrived.

"A good girl with strong values and kind nature, a lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making.

"You moved our worlds with your confidence and empathy.

"Playful, energetic, friendly and always so respectful.

"A peacemaker of the playground.

"No shouting is a house rule you applied.

"A big task for a small girl, especially in a Portuguese household.

"Being around you was a privilege.

"We cherished every milestone.

"You completed us.

"In nine short years, we never needed time off from you.

"We never gave up our time for anything that didn't involve you too, and if we did, we'd always do it separately so you could have one of us always next to you.

"You were born and raised into love.

"And we loved cuddling you every night for almost nine years, apart from the sleepovers and nights away with your friends, we were never apart.

"You liked to sleep with Mommy and Daddy, enjoyed shutting the curtains and watching Disney+ with popcorn.

"Our room was your comfort place. You were our comfort and peace.

"As you were growing up, from a princess to a pre-teen, we began to notice some changes, seeing your independence take shape.

"From your skincare regime to playing with makeup, to your dedication to school, to dance and to your faith.

"Your to-do list was extensive, and we were sure that you would achieve it if only you had the time.

"We talked about which high school you might attend, about growing up having a big house with a garden and having children - children we will never help you raise.

"It hurts. We will never see you grow up.

"A day before your final struggle, mummy kept asking if you were okay, so much so that both you and daddy asked why.

"Part of me wondered if I was being too British but ultimately I realised I always wanted to know that you were okay.

"Now daddy feels sorry for mummy. She has seen things no human should.You were taken away from us too soon.

"And we often ask why?Why here? Why us? Why you? We wonder if you ever thought of us, called for us.

"We wonder if you felt any pain. We hope not, my darling.We then question, could this have been avoided? Could we have stopped it somehow?

"Many questions are revolting and we will never get over this pain - but we promised to get all the answers.

"Mummy has seen too much and we need to know.

"We feel shocked, unimaginable pain. We miss you.

"From time to time, the pin drops. When mummy says "good night Sergio, good night Alice" and then it hits us all over again.

"We don't hear you back. Moving forward will be hard. Some days are better than others, but none will be perfect.

"Some moments we are weak and we say wild things, but we made a promise to always be there for each other in moments of despair.

"A pinky promise.We share a strong bond and we will always have each other to rely on. We won't be alone.

"We are surrounded by wonderful community and their full support, family and friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the wonderful servicemen and women who serve the community, your school, your church and all your friends and their parents.

"We have the full support of the country and the privilege of multiplying that by two.

"For that, we're thankful. For now, our beloved angel, keep dancing.

"Mummy and daddy will always, always love you."

The funeral cortege arrives for the funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar at St Patrick's Church in Southport, England, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024.(AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
The funeral cortege arrives for the funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar at St Patrick's Church in Southport, England, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024.(AP Photo/Scott Heppell). Picture: Alamy
The horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar arrives for her funeral at St Patrick's Church, Southport.
The horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar arrives for her funeral at St Patrick's Church, Southport. Picture: Alamy

Among those who also gathered to pay their respects were Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, along with uniformed officers from the police and the ambulance and fire services.

Members of the public lined Marshside Road as the funeral cortege arrived, along with about 30 uniformed police officers. Pink ribbons and balloons were tied to lampposts and garden walls.

Applause broke out as the carriage - drawn by two white horses sporting orange and white plumes - containing the youngster's white coffin approached the church entrance.

Read more: Police evacuate Eiffel Tower in Paris after man scales landmark ahead of Olympic closing ceremony

Read more: Seven people rushed to hospital and homes cordoned off after fish tank leaks deadly 'chemical toxin'

Eight other children were injured in the attack and all have now been discharged from hospital.

People lining the streets in Southport, including NWAS and MerseyPol Chief Con Serena Kennedy, ahead of Alice Dasilva Aguiar funeral_2

The coffin is carried into St Patrick's Church, Southport, ahead of the funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar.
The coffin is carried into St Patrick's Church, Southport, ahead of the funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar. Picture: Alamy

Alice, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.

Hundreds of rioters took to the streets of the UK following the attack in period of unrest that has seen police arrest more than 700 people.

It comes as the justice secretary told the Sunday Times that the impact of violent disorder will have knock on effects that will be felt for months and years to come.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years