Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was killed in a mass stabbing at a dance class in Southport.

Her parents Sergio and Alexandra were joined by family and friends at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in the town.

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

Members of the public lined Marshside Road as the funeral cortege arrived, along with about 30 uniformed police officers.

Pink ribbons and balloons were tied to lampposts and garden walls.

Applause broke out as the carriage – drawn by two white horses sporting orange and white plumes – containing the youngster’s white coffin approached the church entrance.

Several hundred people packed into the church while more listened outside as the service was relayed on loudspeakers.

Alice, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.

Eight other children were injured in the attack and all have now been discharged from hospital to recover at home.