The heartbroken grandfather of a six-year-old girl who was tragically killed in the horrific mass stabbing in Southport has spoken out about the family’s grief. Michael Weston King, 62, revealed that the family were due to gather for a wedding celebration the following day when they received the devastating news.
His granddaughter, Bebe King, was one of three young girls fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance class. In an emotional Instagram post, Michael shared the tragic news of his ‘sweet’ granddaughter’s passing as family members prepared for his daughter’s wedding.
Michael, who is also the father of Bebe’s dad Ben King, 41, confirmed the heartbreaking news in his post: “As many but not all know, I am taking this moment to confirm that my granddaughter Bebe (the younger daughter of my eldest son) was one of the three girls killed in Southport last Monday.”
He added: “An act of such consequence, yet so pointless, is impossible to comprehend. We are bereft but coming together as a family, which was already very close-knit, to support each other and in particular my son, daughter-in-law and my other granddaughter. Bebe was such a sweet, happy little thing. Loving life, in particular music and theatre, and enjoying the deep affection in which she was held by her family and friends.”
“Monday’s events were all the more poignant as we were gathering for my eldest daughter’s wedding, which should have taken place the following day – a joyous, beautiful family occasion. The shift from joy to despair in a matter of moments is profound.”
Tragically, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, also lost their lives in the brutal knife attack at Hart Space centre, Sefton on July 29th, reports the Manchester Evening News. The horrific incident left eight children and two adults seriously injured, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was leading the class at the time.
Michael went on to express his gratitude for the messages of support from across the country and commended the police for their “great dignity”.
He said: “I would though like to thank everyone who has sent messages. To feel the love and support of so many dear and close friends has been vital.
“They have, been, and continue to be a great comfort. Also to so many from my musical family, the great number of people that I know through music, either fellow artists, players or supporters.”
He also referred to the series of riots that have spread over the country in wake of the attack and that ‘peace, love and understanding is what we need’.
He wrote: “I won’t comment on what has happened around the country in the aftermath, other than to say peace, love and understanding is what we need, and it is all we need. Nothing else. And to any of you who have been blessed with grandkids, I simply say, savour every minute.”
Michael shared a series of touching photos with his granddaughter, accompanied by a short verse which read: ”You and I both know/There is nothing more to say/Chance has shut her shining eyes/And turned her face away.”
Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is due to stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
