Hundreds gathered in Southport to pay their respects to nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, a victim of the Southport knife attacks that occurred on July 29 during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The attack also claimed the lives of six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, while injuring eight other girls and two adults.

Alice's funeral service was held at St Patrick's Catholic Church, with approximately 300 people, including family, friends, and representatives of the emergency services, attending the ceremony.

Alice's family shared a photograph of her taken before the attack, as she posed next to a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Taylor Swift.

Alice was described by her family as their 'perfect dream child' who was playful, energetic, and friendly.

The service was broadcast outside the packed church for those who could not fit inside, and was also shared via video-link with family in Portugal.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police and other emergency service representatives were among those in attendance.

Alice's teachers and local community members also shared their heartfelt tributes during the service.