A funeral will be held later for Bebe King – the youngest of the three girls killed in the Southport knife attack.

The six-year-old was killed along with Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town on 29 July.

Bebe’s parents said her nine-year-old sister Genie witnessed the attack but managed to escape.

The family has asked for privacy in and around the ceremony, to be held in Southport, and encouraged people to light a candle in her memory at 11:00 BST.

Bebe has been described by her parents Lauren and Ben King as a “sweet, kind, and spirited girl” who was “full of joy, light and love”.

They said Genie had shown “incredible strength and courage”, adding: “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.”

Mr and Mrs King also thanked members of the emergency services and the wider community for their support, which had “deeply touched our hearts”.

The funeral of Alice da Silva Aguiar took place in Southport last Sunday.