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

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.

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."

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.

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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

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.