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By Erin Keller
Reporter (Live News)
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The three young girls who died after being stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class Monday in Southport, England have been identified.
Merseyside Police say they are Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9.
King's family said in a statement provided by police, "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
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A GoFundMe has been made for King's family. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser is just a few hundred dollars away from its $12,000 goal.
"We are all sure you have heard the devastating news of the passing of our beloved Bebe, a vibrant and joyful 6-year-old girl who touched the lives of everyone around her," organizers wrote. "Her sudden departure has left a void that words cannot fill, and our hearts ache for her family during this incredibly difficult time."
"In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Bebe's parents need time to grieve, to heal, and to begin the long journey of coping with their sorrow. The last thing they should be worried about right now is the pressure of returning to work and managing financial responsibilities," they continued.
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Aguiar's family said in their tribute issued by police: "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you're always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy."
Aguiar's relative Carina Aguiar posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook.
"Princess Alice... In this moment of great pain...... Two souls .... it hurts the body .... it hurts my mind.... A lump in the throat.... u were just an innocent child..... a happy little girl .... smiling.... who had a funny life ahead....," Carina wrote, translated from Portuguese
"Which despicable being took you out...... no pain no mercy.... without any reason at all....Look after your fathers....Let them suffer..... Who are in desperate need.. shattered.... keep an eye out for them....Fly high our little star...... love you."
At the time of publication, a GoFundMe fundraiser started for Alice's family has raised over $4,700. Laura Blackman and Lisa Connolly organized the account and claim they are coworkers of one of Alice's parents.
A 17-year-old male was arrested Monday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with a mass stabbing, police say. The unidentified suspect from Banks will remain in police custody to be questioned about the stabbings. This tragedy is not currently being treated as terror-related.
The Swift-inspired workshop was held at The Hart Space venue on Hart Street by the group Enlighten Kids Yoga Southport. The dance class was hosted by two women, Leanne Lucas and Heidi Liddle. A Facebook post for the event detailed that it was open to children between the ages of 6 and 11.
Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help police's investigation should call the UK Crimestoppers at +440800555111.
Police said Tuesday that the alleged name of the suspect floating around social media is false and urged people "not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing."
Taylor Swift herself addressed the tragedy in an Instagram Story, writing, "The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously."
"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families," she added.
Swifties have organized a Just Giving fundraiser titled "Swifties Fundraiser for Alder Hey Children's Charity," which is being run by Cristina Jones, who is involved with the Taylor Swift UK & EU Facebook group.
"We are working with Alder Hey Children's Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport and raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed," the page reads.
Katrina Marie, who works at The Hart Space, said in a statement on Facebook that the news has "shaken me to the core".
"We are one big family at The Hart Space and this cuts deep," she said. "There are absolutely no words to describe what's happened today and I'm praying for all families affected. Let's hold them all in our thoughts and please no more speculation until more information is released."
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