Alice’s final smile for the camera: Parents of Southport stabbing victim release heartbreaking photo of their little Princess at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class where she was senselessly killed

Smiling sweetly for the camera next to her idol Taylor Swift, this is the heartbreaking final photo of Alice da Silva Aguiar before she was stabbed to death during the Southport rampage.

The nine-year-old was tragically killed at a Swift-themed dance class just moments after the image was taken at the entrance to the event on Hart Street on July 29.

She was killed alongside Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. Ten others were seriously injured.

The little girl’s parents Sergio and Alexandra were joined by hundreds of family members and friends as they packed out St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Southport for her funeral today.

The heartbroken pair paid tribute to their ‘perfect dream child’ who they described as a ‘peacemaker of the playground’ who loved animals and dancing.

Alice da Silva Aguiar pictured on the day she died next to a cardboard cut out of Taylor Swift – she was eager and ready to get into the dance class

Alice’s family released pictures today showing her as she grew up, with several of them featuring her passion for dancing and performing

Another image released by the family shows Alice as a toddler during one of her first ballet classes, to which she wore a pink tutu and ballet shoes

The coffin of Alice was carried on a carriage during her funeral at St Patrick’s Catholic Church today

Alice’s white coffin was decorated with pink roses for her funeral today

Alice had been dancing from a young age, she is pictured here in her ballet outfit

Alice was one of three little girls to be stabbed to death by a knifeman at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on July 29

People dressed in light colours for nine-year-old Alice’s funeral today

Paying tribute, the parents said: ‘Everything was idyllic from the moment you arrived.

‘A good girl, with strong values and kind nature. A lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making. You moved our world with your confidence and empathy. Playful energetic, friendly, and always so respectful.

‘A peacemaker of the playground. No shouting is a house rule you applied. A big task for a small girl, especially in a Portuguese household.

‘Being around you was a privilege, we cherished every milestone. You completed us.

‘In nine short years we never needed time off from you. We never gave up our time for anything that didn’t involve you too. And if we did, we’d always do it separately so you could have one of us always next to you.’

The family, who is Portuguese, attended a celebration of her life on Tuesday, which is traditional in Portugal one week after a person has died.

Alice’s family also released a collection of photos showing the child throughout her tragically short life.

The final picture of her alive showed a little girl looking delighted as she posed next to a cardboard cut-out of Swift while excitedly waiting for the dance class to begin.

Another image released by the family shows Alice as a toddler during one of her first ballet classes, to which she wore a pink tutu and ballet shoes.

Sergio and Alexandra said at the funeral today: ‘You were born and raised into love and we loved cuddling you every night for almost nine years. Apart from the sleepovers and nights away with your friends, we were never apart.

‘You liked to sleep with mummy and daddy, enjoyed shutting the curtains and watching Disney Plus with popcorn. Our room was your comfort place. You were our comfort and peace.

‘As you were growing up from a princess to a pre-teen, we began to notice some changes, seeing your independence take shape. From your skincare regime to playing with makeup, to your dedication to school, to dance and to your faith.

‘Your to-do-list was extensive and we were sure that you would achieve it if only you had the time.

‘We talked about which high school you might attend, about growing up, having a big house and a garden and having children. Children who we will never help you raise. It hurts. We will never see you grow up.

‘A day before your final struggle, mummy kept asking if you were okay. So much so that you and daddy asked ‘why?’

‘A part of me wondered if I was being too British. But ultimately, I realised I always wanted to know that you were okay. Now, daddy feels sorry for mummy, she has seen things no human should.

‘You were taken away from us too soon and we often ask why? Why here? Why us? Why you? We wonder if you ever thought of us. Called for us. We wondered if you felt any pain. We hope not my darling.

‘We then question could this have been avoided? Could we have stopped it somehow… we will never get over this pain. We promise to get all the answers. Mummy has seen too much, and we need to know.

‘We feel shocked, unimaginable pain, we miss you.

‘From time to time, the pin drops. When mommy says ‘good night, Sergio, good night Alice’ and then it hits us all over again. We don’t hear you back.

‘Moving forward will be hard. Some days are better than others, but none will be perfect. Some moments we are weak and we say wild things. But we made a promise to always be there for each other in moments of despair, a pinky promise.

Hundreds of mourners came out to honour Alice da Silva today. Pictured: One of the family photographs released today

Pall bearers carry the coffin for the funeral of Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar

‘We share a strong bond and we’ll always have each other to rely on.

‘We won’t be alone. We are surrounded by a wonderful community and their full support, family and friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the wonderful servicemen and women who serve the community, your school, your church and all your friends and their parents.

‘We have the full support of the country and the privilege of multiplying that by two. For that, we’re thankful.

‘For now, our beloved Angel, keep dancing, mummy and daddy will always, always love you.’

Photos from the nine-year-old’s funeral today show hundreds of devastated mourners arriving outside the church.

Among those who also gathered to pay their respects were Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, alongside uniformed officers from the police, ambulance and fire services.