The family of 6-year-old Bebe King — who was killed alongside two other children in the July 29 deadly stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in Southport, England — are speaking out.
In a statement from Merseyside Police on behalf of King’s parents, Lauren and Ben King, that was obtained by PEOPLE, the couple and their nine-year-old daughter Genie paid tribute to Bebe, whom they described as “full of joy, light and love.”
“On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie [Dot Stancombe] and Alice [Dasilva Aguilar], she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair,” Bebe’s family wrote.
They added, “Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.”
The family went on to praise “the outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond,” describing it as “a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.”
They added, “The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
The statement went on to “acknowledge” their older daughter Genie, who “witnessed the attack and managed to escape.”
“She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family,” the family said.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead,” they wrote, adding to children who witnessed the incident: “We send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.”
The family also thanked the emergency services and “our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love,” adding that they were “thinking of” the families of 7-year-old Elsie and 9-year-old Alice, who were also killed in the incident.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do,” they concluded their statement, signing off “with love and gratitude.”
Police previously alleged that a 17-year-old suspect, armed with a knife, walked into the dance studio on Hart Street in Southport, England, on July 29 and attacked the group.
Officers responded to the scene on reports of a stabbing around 11:50 a.m. that morning and said that the suspect was arrested.
Authorities said in the same press conference that two children had been killed and eight other children and two adults were injured. One of the adults was identified as yoga teacher Leanne Lucas who organized the dance and yoga class, according to the BBC, The Times and The Guardian.
Police said at the time that the incident was “being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.”
On July 30, authorities confirmed that a third child had died from injuries sustained in the attack. In a press release from Merseyside Police the same day, all three children were identified.
Per a news release on Aug. 1, Merseyside Police announced that the teenage suspecthad been charged with killing the three girls, as well as possession of a bladed article and 10 counts of attempted murder.
Following the stabbing, Swift shared a message on her Instagram Stories, writing in part, “I’m just completely in shock… The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”“
“These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families,” she added.
