The third child victim of the horror Southport stabbing attack has been named as Portuguese girl Alice Aguiar, as her devastated loved ones said their princess had been taken by a "despicable human being".
Friends and family paid tribute to the youngster after it emerged the nine-year-old had died in hospital of her injuries.
Two girls aged six and seven were identified as the first fatalities in the attack just before noon yesterday.
A Portuguese Foreign Ministry source said: “Portugal’s Consul General in Manchester is assisting the family, having spoken to her parents, and is continuing to offer them all the support they need.”
Alice’s mum, Alexandra Aguiar, is understood to hail originally from Caracas, Venezuela, while her dad David Aguiar is from Madeira.
Relative Carina Aguiar, a hotel worker who lives in Camara de Lobos, Madeira, posted a link on her social media to news Merseyside Police had confirmed a third child had died following the attack and wrote tear emoticons beside it.
Earlier, she posted a photo of a black ribbon on her Facebook alongside Alice’s name after writing in an emotional tribute: “Princess Alice. In this moment of great pain my soul hurts, my body hurts, my mind hurts.
“I have a lump in my throat. You were just an innocent child, a happy, smiley girl with a bright life ahead of you which a despicable human being took away from you, without pity, for no reason.
“Look after your mum and dad who are suffering, who are desolate and broken. Fly high our little star. I love you.”
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Friend Claudia Trindade responded by saying: “Have strength. Let my dear God console the hearts of her parents.”
Magda Fernandes said: “I have no words. My condolences to the whole family. Lots of strength at this difficult hour."
Liliana Soares wrote: “What a huge tragedy. My pretty and innocent angel. Such tremendous pain. My sincerest condolences Carina to the whole family.”
Another family friend, Henrique Drummond, wrote on social media in a direct message to Alice’s parents: “David Aguiar, Alexandra Aguiar. Life is so cruel that an animal takes the life of children, especially our Alice. Lots of strength in these extremely difficult moments.”
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