The mother of Alice da Silva Aguiar, one of the young victims of the Southport knife attack, has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic incident. Alice, 9, along with Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, was fatally stabbed while attending a Taylor Swift-themed workshop on July 29, 2023. Alice’s mother, Alex Aguiar, shared heartfelt memories of her daughter, remembering her as a happy, funny, and passionate dancer.
Remembering Alice
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Alex Aguiar reflected on Alice’s love for dancing, which began at just 16 months old. She recalled how Alice started with baby ballet and later joined the Southport Dance Academy at age four. Over the years, Alice also took up street dance, cheerleading, and choir, balancing her school and extracurricular activities with her loving family life.
Alex shared:
“Alice started baby ballet when she was 16 months old and then just carried on. She loved dancing so much. We spent so much time together as a family, and we were always happy just the three of us.”
The Tragic Day: Southport Knife Attack
On July 29, 2023, during a Taylor Swift-themed event at Hart Space, a small business estate in Southport, then 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana entered and launched a violent knife attack.
Alice’s dance teacher, Heidi Liddle, was one of two adults present. She managed to protect a child while hiding in the toilet. Leanne Lucas, another adult, was injured while trying to shield the children.
Local businessman John Hayes, working next door, heard the screams and ran in to help but was also injured. Despite efforts to save them, Alice, Elsie, and Bebe tragically did not survive. Eight other children suffered injuries in the attack.
Justice for Alice and Other Victims
In January 2024, Axel Rudakubana, now 18, was sentenced to 52 years in prison for the brutal attack. While the sentencing has brought some justice, Alice’s mother, Alex, is now focused on honoring her daughter’s memory and building a lasting legacy in her name.
A Community United in Grief and Support
Despite the pain, Alex and her husband, Sergio, have found immense support from the Southport community. Originally from Portugal, the couple moved to Southport in 2010, and Alice was raised in Marshside, attending Churchtown Primary School.
Alex said:
“We feel at home here. People have been incredible, even those who don’t know us. We’ve received so much help, and we didn’t expect that. We don’t feel like we have to go back.”
A Special Tribute from a Family Friend
Sarah Radley-Buck, whose daughter Briar was Alice’s best friend, has been supporting Alex through weekly fitness sessions at her gym, PWR BOX, in Southport.
Sarah is also dedicating her third boxing match to Alice and has launched a JustGiving page, raising £2,355 for the grieving family.
She shared:
“I remember Alice always beaming out of school, telling stories, laughing. She and Briar would plan their outfits for school discos and Halloween. Alice was such a happy, funny child.”
The tragic Southport knife attack shattered lives, but Alice da Silva Aguiar’s legacy lives on through her mother’s efforts and the support of the Southport community. As Alex and her family find strength in their memories, they continue to receive love and kindness from those around them. With tributes planned in Alice’s honor, her joyful spirit and passion for dance will never be forgotten.
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