To receive free real-time news alerts directly to your inbox, sign up for our news emails
Sign up for our free news emails
Devastated families have paid tribute to three girls killed in a “ferocious” knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Police identified the victims as Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were both killed in the carnage on Monday morning, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who died of her injuries in hospital on Tuesday.
Click here for the latest updates.
In a heartbreaking statement, Bebe King’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has befallen our family as we try to cope with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
In tribute to Alice Dasilva Aguiar, the family said: “Keep smiling and dancing as you love to do, our princess, as we have already told you, you are still our princess and no one will change that. Love from your hero dad and mom.”
In a Facebook post, Carina Aguiar, believed to be her aunt, wrote: “Princess Alice…rest in peace…fly so high…and look at mom and dad who are crying so much for your tender absence.”
The tragic news comes as police continue to question a 17-year-old boy arrested in connection with Monday’s attack, described as “a horror movie” by eyewitnesses.
Eight other children were stabbed in the attack and five of them remain in critical condition.
Two hero teachers are also fighting for their lives in hospital after bravely trying to defend young people from the attack shortly before midday on Monday.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “Sadly we can confirm that a third child has died from 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.
“Eight other children were stabbed in the attack, five of whom are in critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition after being injured in the incident.”
One of the organisers fighting for her life is Leanne Lucas, 35, who is said to be a former schoolteacher. Supporters said they were praying for the “beautiful” and “creative” Ms Lucas, who is “passionate about helping children”.
American singer Taylor Swift said she was “completely shocked” after the “horror” of the knife attack.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Swift said: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport continues to overwhelm me, and I am in complete shock.
“The loss of life and innocence, as well as the horrific trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and the first responders.
“They were just little kids taking a dance class. I don’t know how to express my sympathy to these families.”
Fans of the pop star had raised more than £103,000 by Tuesday afternoon via their online fundraiser Swifties for Southport.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper laid flowers at the police cordon on Tuesday, alongside local MP Patrick Hurley and other officials.
The tragedy took place in a full dance workshop on Hart Street, where young people aged six to eleven were taking part in summer holiday activities.
Horrified onlookers described hearing children and parents screaming before 13 ambulances and dozens of police rushed to the scene, which was described as “horrific” and “chaotic”.
A local resident said a parent stopped outside his house shouting: “Help, my child has been stabbed, my child has been stabbed.”
Sarah, 45, said The Independent:”A mother had an injured child in her car and stopped in front of our house. She received a call from a doctor. She was in distress. My husband helped her get back to the scene. We hope the child is okay.”
She added: “She stopped and just said, ‘Help, my child has been stabbed, my child has been stabbed.’
Survivor Jonathan Hayes was reportedly stabbed in the leg after trying to disarm the attacker.
Helen, the businessman’s wife, said The telegraph“Our office is in the same building as the dance studio. He heard screams and went outside, saw the attacker, saw that he had injured a child and tried to take the knife away from him and was stabbed in the leg.”
She said she was with her husband in hospital Monday afternoon, adding: “He is very sad that he could not help him more. Physically he will be fine, mentally I don’t know.”
Meanwhile, police have also urged the public not to speculate about the incident after a name was wrongly circulated on social media.
“This name is incorrect and we urge people not to speculate on the details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesperson added.
“This incident is not currently being treated as terrorism related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
All victims are being treated in hospital, including children’s hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester.
More articles on this breaking news will follow…
