The three young girls killed in yesterday’s tragic knife attack in Southport have been named as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
In tribute to Bebe, her devastated family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
Meanwhile, the family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.
The tragedy unfolded at a fully booked Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop, which quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the stabbings have said.
Armed police detained 17-year-old boy from Banks and seized a knife in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related. Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear, and the teenager remains in custody.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Three victims named by Merseyside Police
- ‘These were just little kids at a dance class’: Taylor Swift releases moving statement
- Teenage boy arrested as police search for motive
- Hero dance teacher injured in attack named
- Name circulated on social media is incorrect, police say
Pictured: Starmer laying flowers at the scene
15:49
Holly Evans
Sir Keir Starmer made a brief visit to the crime scene to lay a wreath of flowers, after earlier meeting with emergency workers who had attended yesterday’s stabbing.
Our reporter Tara Cobham at the scene said angry shouts of “our children are dying because of you” were heard from the crowds before he left in his convoy.
Sir Keir Starmer arrives at crime scene
15:44
Holly Evans
The prime minister has arrived at the crime scene to pay his respects to the victims and to view the floral tributes laid at Hart Street
Former Everton footballers come to pay tribute
15:30
Holly Evans
Former Everton footballers Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin have left a blue and white floral tribute alongside hundreds of others left at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport.
Pictured: Elsie Dot Stancombe
15:28
Holly Evans
Elsie Dot Stancombe tragically lost her life after the stabbing attack unfolded on Hart Street.
The seven-year-old had been attending the Taylor Swift themed workshop alongside several other children, and suffered stab injuries.
Pictured: Bebe King’s parents say ‘no words’ can describe devastation
15:24
Holly Evans
In tribute to Bebe King, released by Merseyside Police, her devastated family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
Breaking: Three victims named by Merseyside Police
15:18
Holly Evans
The three young girls killed in yesterday’s horror stabbing in Southport have been named by the police.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police can confirm the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in Southport on Monday (29 July).
“They are Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
“Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
“The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”
Locals describe police arriving in Banks as community reels from attack
15:12
Tara Cobham
Locals who live near to a cordoned off cul de sac around 15 minutes away from the scene of the attack have told of seeing police cars speeding along their road yesterday.
A resident of the village of Banks, who did not want to give her name, described her shock at seeing police tape blocking access to Old School Close, with one house down the road cordoned off.
Describing the area as usually “quiet and sleepy”, she said: “You can’t comprehend what happened. Everyone’s reeling … We are all devastated and it is a shock … It’s horrific.”
Yvette Cooper warns against ‘speculating or commenting' on the criminal investigation
15:10
Athena Stavrou
Yvette Cooper has warned against “speculating or commenting” on the criminal investigation into the Southport attack before updates have been provided by police.
When asked whether she could provide more information, including whether the suspect was known to authorities, the Home Secretary said: “Merseyside Police are leading this extremely important and serious criminal investigation.
“This was a horrific attack and they need to be able to get on with that work, and they will provide us with updates.
“You’ll understand that others should not be speculating or commenting in advance of those updates and we really welcome the work of Merseyside Police, but it’s also important that they pursue every single angle of inquiry.
“But I think at the same time, the police officers – alongside pursuing that criminal investigation – police officers are also members of the community.
“We’ve talked to first responders today and some of the police officers who were there yesterday and who had to respond, they’re also working in the community to support each other and to support the community in face of something so awful happening.”
Flowers and balloons laid at crime scene
15:03
Holly Evans
Vigil to be held at 6pm
14:50
Athena Stavrou
A vigil will be held in Southport on Tuesday evening.
Sefton Council said it was supporting the event, which will be held outside the Atkinson arts venue on Lord Street at 6pm.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: “It is entirely understandable and appropriate that local people want to gather and show their support and solidarity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this incredibly sad time.”
A book of remembrance is available for people to sign at the Atkinson, in Southport, and one is being set up at Bootle Town Hall, a council spokesman said.
‘These were just little kids at a dance class’: Taylor Swift releases emotional statement - ICYMI
14:39
Athena Stavrou
Taylor Swift has released an emotional statement after two children were killed and nine others injured in a stabbing attack at a dance class.
Tragedy unfolded in Southport on Monday morning at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop on Hart Street.
The singer wrote on her Instagram story: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock.
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.
“These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
Angela Rayner pays tributes to victims in Commons
14:33
Athena Stavrou
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she “can’t even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering” felt by the families affected by the stabbings in Southport.
She told MPs: “I know the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences and strength in the hours ahead to those affected by yesterday’s shocking incident in Southport.
“And as a mother and grandmother, I can’t even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering of those involved.
“I’d like to echo the words of (Labour MP for Southport Patrick Hurley) in thanking the police and the emergency services for their swift response, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have already sadly lost loved ones, and (those who) are now fighting for their lives as well.”
Fundraiser set up by Taylor Swift fans reaches £100,000
14:32
Athena Stavrou
A JustGiving page set up by Taylor Swift fans in the wake of the Southport knife attack has raised over £100,000.
Cristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, started the fundraiser, which has received donations from fans worldwide via the Alder Hay Children’s Charity.
“What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,” Ms Jones told the PA news agency.
“It feels really nice we’ve done something really positive.
“I firmly believe there’s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they’re going through right now, but if we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it’s nice to know that we’ve done what we can do.”
Girl, 9, killed in knife attack named as Alice Aguiar
14:01
Athena Stavrou
The third victim of yesterday’s tragic knife attack in Southport has been named as nine-year-old Alice Aguiar.
Friends and family paid tribute to the young girl, who died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning after sustaining injuries.
Portuguese officials confirmed she Portuguese national, and that her parents were originally from Madeira.
A woman believed to be her auntie, Carina Aguiar, paid tribute to Alice on Facebook. Sharing a local news article about her death, she said: “Princess Alice..... rest in peace..... fly so high... and look at daddy and mommy who mourn your tender absence so much.”
The Secretary of State for Communities José Cesário said on Portuguese TV: “Unfortunately, she was a child, the daughter of Portuguese parents from Madeira. She was born on 15 October 2014, aged nine. She is, in fact, one of the victims of this sad crime. The family lived in Southport.
“The parents are in a state of shock, we will continue to provide the necessary support, we are in direct contact with the girl’s aunt. The priority is to provide the necessary moral support, then it will depend on the circumstances of this family and where they want to hold the funeral.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service crew leaves tribute at scene
13:32
Athena Stavrou
A crew from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene in Southport to pay tribute.
About a dozen firefighters walked together to the cordon on Hart Street and laid flowers, with a message to say they were “thinking of everyone involved”.
Floral tributes continue to be placed near crime scene
13:08
Holly Evans
Former neighbour of suspect speaks of shock
12:56
A neighbour of the suspect’s family while they were living in Cardiff has spoken of her shock at hearing about the knife attack in Southport.
It is understood that the suspect was born in Cardiff but had since moved to a village outside Southport.
The neighbour told the BBC: “They were a lovely young couple. They were little boys, they were boisterous. Mum was a stay-at-home mum, Dad was nice, he went to work every day.
“They had a small family car, a little hatchback. They were a normal family and they were normal kids trying to make ends meet. We chatted over the garden fence. You know, in the summer the back doors open, we chatted over the fence.”
Home Secretary says Starmer on ‘moral mission’ to address knife crime
12:40
Athena Stavrou
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the Prime Minister is on a “moral mission” to address knife crime across the country.
When asked what the Government will do to address knife crime and prevent future attacks, Ms Cooper told reporters in Southport: “Well there will be deep distress right across the country, as well as here in Southport, for this appalling, just truly horrific attack, because it’s beyond every parent’s worst nightmare.
“You had what should have been a children’s party, having fun in the beginning of the summer holidays, could then turn into something so devastating.
“There’s obviously deep concern about knife attacks across the country and that’s why the Prime Minister has said that that is a moral mission to address this, but I think for today the issue really is about Southport and the issue is about the families who have been affected in this case and all of us praying for the injured children and for the little children who have been lost.”
PM opens Cabinet with Southport tribute
12:38
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer opened Cabinet by acknowledging the “truly horrific” event in Southport.
“He said the thoughts of the whole Cabinet and the entire country would be with those who were attacked and their families who are going through an unimaginable ordeal,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
“He added that it was hard to find words to express what the grieving families and community must be going through.”
Swiftie fundraiser for victims nearing £60,000
12:37
Athena Stavrou
A Taylor Swift fan whose fundraiser for the families and victims of the Southport attack has raised almost £60,000 hopes to relieve them of any “financial burden” while they grieve.
Cristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, started a JustGiving page which has received donations from fans worldwide via the Alder Hay Children’s Charity which supports the hospital where some of the victims are being treated.
“What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,” Ms Jones told the PA news agency.
“It feels really nice we’ve done something really positive.
“I firmly believe there’s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they’re going through right now, but if we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it’s nice to know that we’ve done what we can do.”
Ms Jones said it was “really lovely” to see US singer Swift share a statement on Instagram paying tribute to the victims, adding: “She’s bringing it to attention and letting the families know she’s well aware and is thinking of them.”
Name circulated on social media is incorrect, police say
12:24
Athena Stavrou
Police have urged people to not speculate on the details of the teenager arrested in connection to the Southport stabbing.
Merseyside Police have arrested a 17-year-old man from the village of Banks and he remains in police custody.
They added that a name that had been shared on social media in connection with the suspect is incorrect and added: “We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.
“This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.”
Three girls, aged six, seven and nine, killed in knife attack
12:20
Athena Stavrou
Three young girls have now died following yesterday’s tragic knife attack at a children’s dance class in in Southport.
Merseyside Police said a nine-year-old girl died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following the deaths of two other girls, aged six and seven, after Monday morning’s attack.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured, police said.
The fully booked Taylor Swift-themed holiday club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Third child confirmed dead
12:06
Athena Stavrou
A third child has been confirmed as dead following yesterday’s tragic knife attack in Southport.
Merseyside Police said: “Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday 29 July.
“The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July.
“We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.
“Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.”
Parents now ‘terrified’ to send children to summer groups
12:01
Athena Stavrou
A children’s entertainer and father of a young child, Richard Townes, from Southport, has said parents in the area are now “terrified” of sending their children to summer groups.
Mr Townes, who has set up a GoFundMe for families affected by Monday’s knife attack, told the PA news agency: “I’ve lived in Southport for 39 years and I’m 39. This is the worst tragedy to happen in Southport’s history, as far as I’m aware.
“Everyone has been affected in some way, shape or form. Everyone knows someone impacted.
“This is supposed to be the start of the summer holidays and parents in WhatsApp groups are now terrified of sending their children to summer clubs.
“I have a five-year-old daughter who could have just as easily been at the class. I feel helpless and like I can’t do anything. This fundraiser is the only thing I can do to help. I want to raise some money to help reduce the financial implications for the families involved.”
Home Secretary pays tribute to “Bright young lives lost or facing unimaginable trauma"
11:52
Athena Stavrou
A message on the flowers left by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Bright young lives lost or facing unimaginable trauma.
“My heart goes out to all those grieving and in distress and to the whole community.
“We stand with you in this time of unbearable sadness.”
Everything we know so far about the Southport knife attack
11:48
Athena Stavrou
Here’s what we know so far:
- Two children have been killed in the attack. Nine other children have been injured, six of them critically. Two adults, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, remain in critical condition.
- The attacker targeted both adults and children during a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop on Hart Street, Southport on Monday morning.
- A 17-year-old boy from the village of Banks has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities say he was born in Cardiff.
- Taylor Swift released an emotional statement after the attack as she said she was at a “complete loss” after the “horror” of yesterday’s attack.
- Local residents from the quiet and residential town have gathered to lay flowers in tribute to the victims of the attack. Many teared up as they delivered their tributes and a vigil is expected to take place this evening.
Full story: Hero dance teacher fighting for life trying to protect children in Southport stabbing pictured
11:32
Athena Stavrou
A hero dance class teacher left fighting for her life after desperately trying to defend children in the Southport knife attack has been named.
Well wishers have revealed they are praying for “beautiful” and “creative” Leanne Lucas, 35, as she was named locally as one of the organisers of the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop ambushed by a knifeman on Monday.
She is said to be one of two adults in a critical condition following the “ferocious” attack on Monday that left two children dead.
Nine children were injured, including six who are fighting for their lives in a critical condition in hospital, as police questioned a 17-year-old boy arrested in connection with the attack.
My colleagues Amy-Clare Martin and Tara Cobham have the full story:
Watch: Children’s toys laid in tribute to Southport stabbing victims
11:23
Athena Stavrou
Teddies and floral tributes were laid at the scene of a stabbing attack in Southport as six children remained in a critical condition on Tuesday, 30 July.
Two children were killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop on Hart Street, which left a further nine children injured.
The singer wrote on social media that she was “completely in shock” at “theloss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.”
Two adults also remain critically ill in hospital with knife injuries after “bravely” trying to protect the young victims.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks was detained by armed police.
Home secretary lays flowers for victims of Southport stabbings
10:59
Athena Stavrou
Yvette Cooper has just arrived on Hart Street in Southport, where two children were killed and nine others injured in the knife attack which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class.
She has laid a wreath alongside the local MP, Patrick Hurley.
The home secretary has already met with the chief constable, police and crime commissioner and the mayor.
Ms Cooper also spoke with some of the first responders who attended the scene yesterday.
Hero dance teacher injured in attack named
10:54
Athena Stavrou
The hero dance teacher who was injured in yesterday’s tragic knife attack in Southport while “trying to protect children” has been named.
Identified locally, Leanne Lucas, 35, is thought to be one of the organisers behind the Taylor Swift dance workshop where a knifeman targeted both adults and children on Monday morning.
She and one other adult, believed to be running the workshop with her, remain in critical condition.
Two children were killed in the attack on Hart Street. Nine other children were injured, six of them critically.
Posting a photo of Leanne on Facebook, Sunshine Yoga wrote: “I’m absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne.
“Leanne came on my training course in December. A beautiful young creative girl who was so passionate about helping children. I just can’t believe it. Please pray.”
‘These were just little kids at a dance class’: Taylor Swift releases emotional statement
10:47
Athena Stavrou
Taylor Swift has released an emotional statement after two children were killed and nine others injured in a stabbing attack at a dance class.
Tragedy unfolded in Southport on Monday morning at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop on Hart Street.
The singer wrote on her Instagram story: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock.
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.
“These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
Pictures: Community in mourning as flowers laid in tribute to stabbing attack victims
10:24
Athena Stavrou
Businessman stabbed in leg after trying to disarm attacker
10:22
Athena Stavrou
The Daily Telegraph reported that businessman Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg after attempting to disarm the attacker.
Asked if her husband had tried to put himself between the suspect and the children, his wife, Helen, told the newspaper: “He did. He heard screams.
“Our office is in the same building as the dance studio. He heard screams and went outside, saw the attacker, saw that he had hurt a child and tried to take the knife off him and got stabbed in the leg.”
She said she had been with her husband all afternoon at the hospital and added: “He’s very upset that he wasn’t able to be more help. Physically he will be OK, mentally I don’t know.”
‘Help, my child’s been stabbed’: Screams heard by local who helped parent of injured child
10:12
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Tara Cobham reports from the scene:
A local resident has told of a parent of one of the wounded children pulling up outside their house with their child and screaming “help my child’s been stabbed my child’s been stabbed”.
Sarah, 45, told The Independent: “A parent had an injured child in the car and pulled up outside our house. She got a call from a medic. She was in distress. My husband helped her back to the scene. We’re hoping the child is okay.”
She added: “She stopped and was just saying, ‘Help, my child’s been stabbed, my child’s been stabbed.’”
The 45-year-old, who was walking along Hart Street on Tuesday morning with her young daughter, said she still doesn’t know whether the child survived.
While her husband jumped in the woman’s car and helped her and her child back to receive medical treatment, Sarah and her daughter “went into lockdown”, she said. “I’m shocked - it shook us all.”
Sarah, who has worked in childcare for years, said her daughter picked out some roses and sunflowers this morning, which they were on their way to lay at the scene of the tragedy.
Fundraiser set up by Taylor Swift fans reaches £24k
09:56
Athena Stavrou
A fundraiser set up by Taylor Swift fans for the victims of the Southport stabbings has surpassed £24,000.
The JustGiving page was set up in the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic knife attack, which killed two children and left nine others injured.
The fundraiser description reads: “We are working with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport, and raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed.
“Every donation through this link goes directly to the verified charity below, which will in turn help make a difference to those impacted in a time of great sadness.”
‘The town is in mourning’, says Southport MP
09:44
Athena Stavrou
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “The town is in mourning, the town is in shock this morning. The incident that took place yesterday was uniquely horrific.
“Southport’s a quiet seaside, coastal town. This has just sent shockwaves through the whole community.
“It’s a very small town, Southport, and a lot of families across the area will be impacted directly.
“I think at this stage we need to just reach out, make sure that there’s a level of community healing going on and make sure we give voice to the solidarity that people need right now.”
Stabbing victim ‘was teacher at school for children with special educational needs’, local resident says
09:19
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Tara Cobham reports from the scene:
A local resident has said one of the adults who was stabbed attempting to protect the children is a woman who used to teach at a school for children with special educational needs in the area.
The local woman, who lay a floral tribute at the scene on Tuesday morning, said the teacher used to look after her granddaughter, before she left to pursue drama.
Speaking through tears, the resident, who did not wish to be named, told The Independent: “it’s just shocked the whole of Southport,” she said. “It’s so sad.”
Mapped: Key locations in Southport stabbing
09:16
Athena Stavrou
Southport football club cancels matches and offers ‘safe space’ for community
09:04
Athena Stavrou
The Southport community are navigating how to deal with the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic knife attack together.
The local football club cancelled its friendly match with Morecambe as it opens its lounge doors for the community between 10am and 3pm today.
“This is a safe and supportive space for those impacted by [yesterday’s] events or anyone who wishes to offer their support,” the club said in a statement.
‘It was one of those screams where it just hits you - it echoed,’ says local mother
08:55
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Tara Cobham reports from the scene:
A local mother has told of her and her young son hearing “horrendous” screams echoing throughout her neighbourhood as she prepared a picnic in the garden with him.
Sandy Oakley, 41, lives near the police cordon on Hart Street with her children, aged 6, 9, and 17.
“I’m feeling really anxious. Me and my nine year old heard the screams. We were making a picnic,” she told The Independent, wiping away tears. “We were in the back garden. The screams - just thinking about it now, horrendous.
“When we heard the screams, it was one of those scream where it just hits you. I thought ‘what’s happened?’ Within minutes, everyone was here, all emergency services. I thought it was just a crash, but when you saw the amount of people running… I phoned my 17 year old and he said he was on Hart Street - he was walking from the gym and someone told him you can’t come up here.
“Those screams - it echoed.”
She described a tight-knit, “lovely”, “quiet” community pulling together in the aftermath of the tragedy, with neighbours checking in on each other.
Ms Oakley said: “Everyone is looking in on everyone, it’s a big community feel. It’s such a quiet area. We moved up here from London because it was so quiet, such a lovely community. You just can’t get your head around it.”
Six children remain in critical condition
08:50
Athena Stavrou
Six children and two adults remain in critical after a knife attack at a children’s dance class yesterday.
Two children died in the attack, Merseyside Police confirmed. A further three children were injured in the attack, but are not in critical condition.
Vigil to be held tonight
08:36
Athena Stavrou
A vigil to pay tribute to the victims of yesterday’s stabbing attack will be held in Southport tonight.
Patrick Hurley MP described the attack as a “uniquely horrific event” as the Southport MP said the area was waking up in “shock and grief”
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he warned against speculation online and encourages people with any information to inform the police.
They’re just kids for god’s sake’: Local residents reel from news of tragedy
08:22
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Tara Cobham reports from the scene:
A local resident has added a bouquet to the floral tributes piling up at the quiet scene this morning, as two police officers stand at the top of the cordon on Hart Street.
Mark Sims, 65, said he was working nearby when his wife phoned him to tell him an incident was unfolding in their “ordinary” area.
“It’s just terrible, it’s shocking,” he told The Independent. “You never thought it would happen here. It’s just an ordinary town. I saw the helicopters and that yesterday. My wife phoned me to say something had happened. They’re just kids for gods sake. Terrible.”
Local footballer offering free Football Camp for affected children
08:19
Athena Stavrou
A local footballer says he has received hundreds of messages after offering a free football holiday camp by children affected by yesterday’s stabbing.
“If there are any parents on here from Southport who’s children are distressed after todays events. Please DM me,” he wrote on X yesterday evening.
“I am hosting a Football Camp this week and your children can attend free of charge.”
The Marine AFC player then posted an update this morning: “The power of social media I’ve had hundreds of messages off people asking how they can help. I have a few ideas to try and help our community get through this.”
If there are any parents on here from Southport who’s children are distressed after todays events.
— Jordan Lussey (@jordanlussey) July 29, 2024
Please DM me. I am hosting a Football Camp this week and your children can attend free of charge.
Please RT
Police search for motive after teenage boy arrested
08:14
Athena Stavrou
Police area searching for a motive behind yesterday’s tragic knife attack at a children’s dance class in Stockport.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related. Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear, and the teenager remains in custody.
The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed authorities are not looking for any other suspects in connection to a knife attack in Southport yesterday.
Emily Spurrell told BBC Breakfast that police will now take time to figure out what happened and why.
Local residents leaving flowers this morning
08:07
Athena Stavrou
A local resident is among those arriving early this morning to leave flowers at the scene at the top of Hart Road.
The woman, who did not want to give her name, described her shock and horror at what unfolded in her neighbourhood yesterday.
“You don’t hear anything like that round here - it’s shocking,” she told The Independent. “I just feel so dreadfully sorry for the families involved in this. It’s just awful. It’s horrible.”
Starmer could visit Southport in wake of attack
08:04
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer could visit the community reeling from the Southport knife attack on Tuesday, the chancellor has suggested.
Asked whether the PM will be in the northwest seaside town, Rachel Reeves told Sky News: “I’m sure he will be and I know that the home secretary is already there.”
Reacting to the attack, she said: “Beyond the worst nightmare of any parent what’s unfolding in Southport. And my thoughts and prayers are with all of those families affected.
“And I also just pay tribute to the emergency services, particularly at Alder Hey Hospital having to treat the children and families who have been impacted by what happened yesterday.
“Nothing can prepare you for something like this. And I think everybody across our country today is thinking of that community and those families.”
Road closures remain in place as floral tributes laid in Southport
08:03
Andy Gregory
Road closures remain in place in Southport following yesterday’s knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, as well-wishers left floral tributes close to the scene.
Local business owner believes he may have argued with attacker moments before fatal incident
07:38
Andy Gregory
Colin Parry, the owner of the Masters Vehicle Body Repairs 50 metres or so from the scene of the attack, told The Guardian he had a heated exchange