Dad of Southport stabbing victim pays tribute to girl, 7, ‘loved by everyone’

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Postie David Stancombe remembered Elsie Dot as the “most polite young girl you could ever meet” who “lit up every room she entered” in a touching tribute with the Royal Mail

The devastated dad of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe has paid an emotional tribute to his “sweetest” little girl who loved life and parties.

David Stancombe’s world shattered when Elsie, seven, was knifed to death, along with Bebe King, six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Heartbroken David, who works as a postie, and his wife Jenny, shared precious memories of their daughter for a feature with Royal Mail.

‌It reads: “David would like his Royal Mail family to know just how wonderful a little girl and loving daughter Elsie was. [They] shared with us that she was the most polite young girl you could ever meet and was loved by everyone – she lit up every room she entered. Elsie was chosen to be a part of every single school play and was also a member of the school council.”

‌The couple, who also share daughter Rosie, revealed the garden at Elsie’s nursery had been renamed Elsie’s Place in her memory. And they now hope to renovate it into a space where families can take their children to pick and grow vegetables. Local families in Southport have also launched a GoFundMe page for Elsie, but it’s unclear if the funds raised will go towards the green space.

‌Royal Mail’s operations boss Mark Wilkinson, who spoke to the family for the piece, continued: “David and Jenny are a private family and don’t want a lot of attention – but they would like to keep Elsie’s name and memories alive by supporting the nursery she attended.

‌”[They are] showing tremendous strength, dignity and courage to keep going for their younger daughter Rosie in the most difficult of circumstances I can’t even begin to imagine.” Axel Rudakubana, now 18, from Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder.

Following an initial hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, Rudakubana is next due at Liverpool Crown Court on October 25. Officials have also set a provisional trial date, to last six weeks, for January 20, 2025.

‌You can donate to Elsie’s fundraiser by following this link.