Family of Southport attack victim Elsie Dot pay tribute to ‘amazing little girl’

The family of seven-year-old Southport attack victim Elsie Dot Stancombe have paid tribute to their ‘unforgettable’ little girl who was a ‘devoted Swiftie.’

Elsie was killed in the knife attack at the Taylor Swift-themed dance party during the summer holidays in the Merseyside town along with Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, on July 29.

Her family paid tribute to the ‘amazing little girl’ ahead of her funeral, which they want to be referred to as Elsie’s Special Day.

They said in a statement issued via the police: ‘Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today, 23rd August, on ‘Elsie’s Special Day.

‘Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness.

‘Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.

She loved to dance, and it goes without saying she was a devoted ‘Swiftie’, she was always up for anything and gave every activity a go, we went to them all. She found her real passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come around quick enough.

‘Her persistence was admirable, from completing a 3k run and 10k charity walk for her local hospice, as well as moving up books bands in school, everything she did she gave 100% and would never give up.

‘Our family affirmation is ‘as long as you try your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters’.

‘We are the four best friends in the whole wide world’ – and that mantra will remain with us for the rest of our lives, sound in the knowledge that Elsie is here with us and forever will be in our hearts.

‘Elsie has brought light, love and joy to so many lives and it has been clear to us in the overwhelming response from everybody that knew her and everybody within the community.

‘We will be always be grateful for the love and support we have had over these past weeks and we are and will continue to be proud to live in Southport.

‘To that end, Elsie’s legacy will continue and as a family we will ensure that her impact and legacy endures with positivity and hope and with Elsie by our side forever and always.’

Axel Rudakubana, now aged 18, has been charged with the murder of three girls and attempted murders of two adults, yoga teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, and attempted murders of eight other children.

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