Inquests opened, adjourned, into deaths of Hart St victims

Inquests into the deaths of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice Aguilar were opened and adjourned at Bootle Town Hall this morning.

Senior coroner Julie Goulding led the “short and sombre” proceedings that formally opened the inquests, before suspending them to allow due legal process to take place.

James Martindale, Coroner’s Investigation Officer, took a legal oath of truthfulness before giving brief statements relating to the death of each victim.

During the short 15-minute hearing, both Ms Goulding and Mr Martindale maintained a professional demeanour, but their emotions were unmistakably evident.

Mr Martindale confirmed that each victim was present at an “organised dance party”, that Axel Rudakubana attended the scene and is alleged to have attacked members of the public, while confirming the details and times of the identification of each victim.

It was confirmed publicly for the first time that 26 children were in attendance at the Hart Street attack.

Ms Goulding said that it was “impossible to articulate the devastating, lifelong effects that the truly tragic events of Monday 29 July 2024 have had and will continue to have on the parent’s families and friends of Elise, Bebe and Alice, who cruelly lost their young lives in such horrific circumstances.

“The three young children were full of life, and energy, and will be missed beyond any description my woefully inadequate words will attempt to describe.

“I therefore offer my deepest condolences to Elsie’s, Bebe’s and Alice’s parents, families and friends, and the heartfelt condolences of my staff.

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