Merseyside Police have confirmed the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in Southport on Monday (29 July).
They are Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”
Natasha Sandland, Head Teacher of Marshside Primary School, said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.
“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.
“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.
“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.
“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”
Miss Jennifer Sephton, Head Teacher at Farnborough Road Infant School, said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Elsie.
“Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.
“Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.
“It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.
“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.
“We are supporting our school community including pupils, teachers and parents throughout this extremely difficult time and would reiterate the need for privacy at this time.”