In London, a private funeral was held on Saturday to mourn Bebe King, the youngest of three girls who were tragically killed during a stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Bebe, 6, was the second girl to be laid to rest following the July 29 incident in Southport that led to widespread unrest across the country. Far-right groups had falsely identified the suspect as a Muslim asylum seeker, sparking national rioting.
Described by her family as a spirited girl filled with joy and love, Bebe was deeply cherished by all who knew her. Her parents, Lauren and Ben King, along with their other daughter, Genie, expressed their heartbreak over the loss but found solace in the love Bebe brought into their lives. They requested privacy during the funeral at St Cuthbert’s Church, restricting attendance to close acquaintances, who were encouraged to wear bright attire and light candles in Bebe’s memory.
Alongside Bebe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, also lost their lives in the attack that left 10 others wounded, including two adults. Genie, Bebe’s older sister, witnessed the tragic incident but managed to escape. The Kings praised Genie’s strength and courage, highlighting the deep bond the sisters shared and their determination to support her through this painful journey as a family.
Aguiar’s funeral, described by her parents as a memorial for their “perfect dream child,” took place the previous Sunday. Chief Merseyside Police Constable, Serena Kennedy, conveyed a message from Aguiar’s parents at the service, urging an end to the violent unrest and emphasizing that no one should engage in acts of violence in their daughter’s name.
Following the stabbings, widespread disorder erupted, including incidents of violence in Southport, London, and other cities, extending to Belfast, Northern Ireland. The riots resulted in numerous arrests, with approximately 100 individuals already sentenced to imprisonment terms of up to six years in an effort to swiftly address the unrest. Police readiness for far-right protests led to a decrease in rioting on August 7, with anti-racism marches taking precedence over anticipated demonstrations in various locations. Despite some isolated incidents, the protests largely remained peaceful after authorities braced for potential unrest instigated by far-right agitators.