No words can describe the devastation

>> Town united in grief at vigil for little knife rampage victims >> Tributes to tragic Elsie, Bebe and Alice, as Swift tells of shock

- PAUL BYRNE, HOLLIE BONE and LUCY THORNTON

A COMMUNITY traumatised by the devastating loss of three children was last night united in grief at an emotional vigil to remember the innocent victims.

Residents paid tribute to Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, whose lives were so cruelly ended in a knife rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.

The US singer told of her shock at the slaughter as smiling photographs of the youngsters were released.

Bebe's relatives said: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe." Alice's distraught family said in their tribute: "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our princess.

You're always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy." Father John Heneghan, 61, who led Alice's first communion service, said: "It's heartbreaking. She was a lovely, lovely girl with a radiant smile and at the communion service, she just had this look of happiness.

"The epitome of happiness that day, she was it. We're heartbroken for the families. You can't imagine it. All we can do is show our love for them." It is believed Alice attended Churchtown Primary School, about two miles from the scene of the stabbings in Southport, Merseyside.

The school said: "Our community is utterly heartbroken by the tragic events that have taken place. We stand united with all of our families and the wider Southport community during this incredibly difficult time." Thousands of mourners brought the seaside resort to a standstill at last night's vigil.