SOUTHPORT INQUIRY: INCREDIBLE COURAGE OF KIDS UNDER ATTACK

ALL ALONE OUR GIRLS FOUGHT FOR THEIR LIVES

- BY MARTIN FRICKER

AS the savage blows of Axel Rudakubana's knife rained down, a group of petrified little girls summoned the strength and courage to shield each other from the onslaught and undoubtedly saved lives.

The mum of a seven-year-old girl who was stabbed 33 times by the maniac told the public inquiry into the senseless killings of three youngsters how her injured daughter protected pals and helped them escape to safety.

She also spoke about how the children initially had to face Rudakubana alone as some tutors had to rush to get help when the 18-year-old thug embarked on his killing spree in Southport, Merseyside, last July. The mum demanded an apology for the victims and a reassurance no child would have to suffer this trauma again.

Rudakubana murdered Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and seriously injured eight others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Parents of survivors yesterday came together to share their stories of horror and heroism.

The girl who tried to help others, known as C1, suffered serious injuries after initially escaping the carnage before being dragged back into the dance school by Rudakubana.

She needed two lifesaving operations, was scarred for life and deeply traumatised.

The girl's mum told the inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday that the most devastating thing to come to terms with was there were "no adults to help" her - as she showed a maturity beyond her tender years to take control.

Flanked by her husband, she added: "The courage and strength she found leaves me crushed, but in complete awe. I don't for a moment doubt that the actions of the teachers saved lives.

"They escaped to call the police and flag down help, they shielded other children. I am grateful for what they did for them.