An inquest into the deaths of three young girls from a Southport knife attack has begun and been adjourned.
On July 29, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Hart Street. Ten others were seriously injured.
Senior coroner Julie Goulding led the brief hearing, describing it as necessary to allow criminal proceedings to continue.
READ MORE: Ex-police chief says, worst far-right violence should be treated as terrorism
She acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy and noted that full inquests are expected next year. The hearing at Bootle Town Hall was attended only by journalists.
Goulding said opening the inquests would allow death certificates to be issued and funerals to proceed. A memorial service for Alice was held at St Patrick’s Church in Southport.
Expressing her deepest condolences, Goulding described the girls as “full of life and energy” and lamented the loss. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital confirmed all injured children have been discharged.
Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old from Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article. He remains in youth custody, with a pre-trial hearing set for October 25 and a provisional trial date in January.
READ MORE: Far-right yobs try to loot vape shop
