A knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, northern England, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and left five others critically injured.
The victims were identified as Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. Eight children and two adults were stabbed, with five children and both adults remaining in critical condition.
A 17-year-old male suspect from nearby Banks was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and police have ruled out terrorism. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the suspect’s identity.
The attack has deeply shocked the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other officials condemning the violence and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
“Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves”, wrote Starmer. “They will feel the full force of the law.”
The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
They deserve our support and our respect.
Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.
They will feel the full force…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 30, 2024
Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King (left to right) were identified as the victims of the stabbing, with Alice being the last to succumb to her injuries on Tuesday. Others are still hospitalised for critical injuries.
A peaceful vigil held in Southport turned violent when far-right protesters, believed to be linked to the English Defence League, clashed with police, leading to injuries among 39 officers and damage to local property.
The violence was reportedly fuelled by misinformation about the suspect’s identity. The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the exploitation of the tragedy to incite Islamophobia and called for action against rising far-right extremism.
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