LIVE: Funeral of nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar who died in a knife attack in Southport

Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was killed in a mass stabbing at a dance class in Southport. Her parents Sergio and Alexandra were joined by family and friends at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in the town. Among those who also gathered to pay their respects were Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, along with uniformed officers from the police and the ambulance and fire services. Members of the public lined Marshside Road as the funeral cortege arrived, along with about 30 uniformed police officers. Pink ribbons and balloons were tied to lampposts and garden walls. Applause broke out as the carriage - drawn by two white horses sporting orange and white plumes - containing the youngster’s white coffin approached the church entrance. Several hundred people packed into the church while more listened outside as the service was relayed on loudspeakers. Alice, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. Eight other children were injured in the attack and all have now been discharged from hospital to recover at home. #livestream #thesun The Sun delivers breaking news, latest gossip and incredible exclusives around the world with hubs in London, New York, Scotland and Ireland. Covering topics from news, money and sport along with our famous Fabulous Magazine, The Sun is the biggest news brand in the UK and one of the fastest growing news sites in the US. Stay tuned for video clips across the biggest news stories and segments from The Sun’s expert journalists. Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know. Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on X: Follow The Sun on TikTok: @thesun Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: