The parents of the little girls killed in the Southport stabbings have spoken of the “energy” and the “spark” that their children had before their lives were tragically cut short.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were stabbed to death by Axel Rudakubana, 18, on 29 July. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years following the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town. He also attempted to murder eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Their families have now spoken about how the local community has supported them through this horrific period. Following the attack, vast numbers of flowers and toys were left by the town hall in Southport, with a display arranged by the Lord Street in Bloom gardening group.

Bebe’s parents, speaking about the reaction from locals, reportedly said: “It’s about this community. It has brought light in the darkness, these little moments. And that’s what we’re constantly looking for right now.”

Her father described how he searched the streets for his daughter until a police officer gave a description that matched her. “We had given people Bebe’s description. When that person came towards me, I could feel the blood drain from me and I went cold,” the 43-year-old told The Sunday Times. “I knew she was going to tell me something. And she did. ‘Are you Bebe’s dad?’ As soon as I said yes she said she had passed away.”

Bebe’s mother added: “Bebe operated on such a high frequency. She had this power to connect with people and the relationships she had with all her family members were different but very special. She had this innate kindness. She had a spark.”