Parents denounce riots at funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice
Parents of Alice call for peace and condemn riots at her funeral
On Sunday, the parents of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar shared their sorrowful words at her funeral, attended by hundreds. Despite their profound grief over the loss of their nine-year-old daughter, they condemned the violent riots allegedly carried out in her name.
During the service at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Alice’s parents delivered a heartfelt message to their “bright” and “curious” daughter, whom they called their “beloved angel.” Emergency services, who responded on the tragic day of July 29, also attended. They said, “Keep dancing. Mummy and Daddy will always, always love you.”
Funeral held for 9 year old girl who was stabbed to death during the Southport stabbing attack.
Alice Da Silva Aguiar was driven on a horse and carriage to the church for her funeral service.
Locals lined the streets to clap as she was driven by.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) August 11, 2024
Father Sergio and mother Alexandra were commended for their “great courage” in denouncing the unrest that has erupted across the UK since the attack that killed their daughter and two others, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, following a Taylor Swift dance class. The accused, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, allegedly injured eight other children and two adults in the incident.
In the aftermath, false information about the attacker spread online, incorrectly claiming he was not a UK resident and was Muslim. The suspect, who has appeared in court, is a Christian born in Cardiff. Nonetheless, some used the tragedy to justify attacks on mosques and police, causing further disruption in local communities.
Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, conveyed a message from Alice’s family, expressing their desire for an end to the violence. She stated, “You have shown great courage in asking me to be here today to deliver your message that you do not want any more violence on the streets of the United Kingdom in her name.
“I am deeply sorry that you had to consider this during the planning of your beautiful daughter’s funeral. I hope those involved in violent disorder over the past 13 days feel the shame of the pain they have caused you, a grieving family. You have requested peace to grieve and for our traumatised community to begin healing.”
Alice’s headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, Jinnie Payne, described her as a bright, happy child with a big smile and a natural sense of equality. She said, “Alice wanted to do everything on offer, and you (her parents) provided those opportunities for her.”
Ms Payne concluded with Alice’s words: “It doesn’t matter who your family are as long as they love each other,” and noted Alice exemplified this belief.
Ms Payne also recited an emotional poem, “Here Comes Alice,” highlighting Alice’s qualities and a moment when Alice decorated her teacher’s pointer to look like a magic wand. The poem read: “The time has come to say ‘there goes Alice’. We are letting you go dancing now, Alice. Teach those angels a few dance moves.
“Keep daydreaming, Alice, it’s a magical place to be, in your own thoughts. Make magic every day with your teacher pointer, Alice, and we will feel the power of your magic ability.
“Let your beaming smile guide you, Alice, and shine brightly on us all.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Alice da Silva Aguiar?
Alice was a nine-year-old stabbing victim described as bright and inquisitive by her parents.
What message did Alice’s parents share at her funeral?
They urged against violence and expressed their eternal love for Alice.
What did Alice’s headteacher say about her?
Alice was described as bright, happy, and inclusive, with a big smile and politeness.
What misinformation spread after the attack?
False claims were made that the perpetrator was not a UK resident and was Muslim.
What was the reaction of Merseyside Police to the violence following the attack?
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy condemned the violence and conveyed the family’s plea for peace.
