Crowds of mourners gathered in Southport, UK, to say goodbye to seven-year-old Elsie, one of three victims of a knife attack on children at the Hart Space facility there on July 29. During the ceremony, one of the deceased's favorite songs was played – “Love Story” by Taylor Swift.
The funeral of Elsie Dot Stancombe took place in Southport on Friday morning. Hours earlier, the local police department had posted on its website that “the family want this to be 'Elsie's special day'”. Relatives described Elsie as an “amazing little girl” who “spent every day just enjoying life”, “loved to dance” and “gave her all” at dance classes.
Funeral of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe in SouthportPAP/EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
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The last farewell to a murdered seven-year-old girl
Hundreds of people lined up outside the church in Southport before the funeral service began, British media reported. The coffin with the seven-year-old's body was carried to the church in a horse-drawn carriage, then led into the church through a gate made of colourful balloons. “Mourners were asked to choose pastel or bright colours, and the streets were decorated with pink ribbons,” Sky News reported.
During the mass, the deceased girl was remembered by, among others, pastor Jenni Hardy and teacher Katie Sykes, who said that Elsie “made everyone smile by just being herself”. A letter was read on behalf of the parents, in which the couple emphasized that their daughter “brought nothing but happiness” to their lives. “Her story does not end today. Her story will be told every day by those who love her,” the parents said. At the end of the mass, the singer performed a cover of one of Elsie's favorite songs – “Love Story” from Taylor Swift's repertoire.
The final farewell to seven-year-old Elsie Dot StancombePAP/EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
Southport knife attack
Elsie Dot Stancombe was one of three girls – along with six-year-old Bebe King and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar – who died after a knife attack in Southport on July 29. Bebe King's funeral was held last week, while Alice da Silva Aguiar was buried in early August.
17-year-old Axel Rudakubana (now 18 years old) attacked at Hart Space facilitywhere a group of children were taking part in a dance class. In addition to the three dead, eight children and two adults were injured. The BBC reported that one of those injured was Leanne Lucas, 35, a teacher who was supposed to be leading the class. Rudakubana was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Elsie Dot Stancombe with her parents and younger sister in a photo released by her family on the day of her funeralPAP/EPA/FAMILY HANDOUT HANDOUT
Main image source: PAP/EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN