Miss Jennifer Sephton, Head Teacher at Farnborough Road Infant School, said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Elsie.

“Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.

“Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.

“It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.

“We are supporting our school community including pupils, teachers and parents throughout this extremely difficult time and would reiterate the need for privacy at this time.”

In a joint statement with Endeavour Learning Trust, Churchtown Primary School said: "Alice was the happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine. She was known and loved by everyone in our school community of 700 children, a testament to her unique ability to connect with others.

"Alice's radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy. Her kindness, playful nature, and zest for trying new things will forever be remembered. Alice, you will always hold a special place in our hearts at Churchtown.

"Bebe was a joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community. During her time at the school, Bebe's considerate nature and her love of learning shone through in everything that she did.

"Each day, she would come into school ready to grasp every opportunity available to her and fun and laughter were never far away whenever Bebe was involved. Her considerate nature meant that she had many friends and she always ensured all children felt included, whether that was through play or working together in the classroom. Bebe's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

"Our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of both Alice and Bebe during this impossibly difficult time. 

"We know that a number of other children from Churchtown were also involved in the attack, along with much-loved colleagues.

"We extend our heartfelt wishes to all those families affected by this horrific incident, including those currently in hospital or continuing to receive treatment. We sincerely hope for their swift and full recovery. No words can do justice to what has happened here in Southport - and our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children. No-one should ever have to experience horror like this.

"Our immediate focus now is on providing support to the community as we start to understand what has happened. The death of a child is always a desperate tragedy for a school, and particularly so under such circumstances.

"We will come together as a community, offering each other support and care as we work through this difficult time. Alice and Bebe will be in our hearts forever."

Bebe was a former pupil of Churchtown Primary School before moving to Marshside Primary. 

Natasha Sandland, Head Teacher of Marshside Primary School, said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.

“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.

“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.

“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”