One of the three children killed in the horrific Southport stabbing attack has been identified as nine-year-old Alice Aguiar. Her devastated family described her as a “happy smiley girl with a bright life ahead,” taken by a “despicable human being.
Alice died in hospital from her injuries sustained in the attack, which also claimed the lives of two other girls, aged six and seven. The incident occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at Hart Space Studios in Southport.
Five other children, aged between six and eleven, remain in critical condition, along with two female adults who bravely tried to protect them. A 17-year-old boy is in custody, accused of murder and attempted murder. Police have stated that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack and do not believe it to be terrorism-related.
Portuguese Foreign Ministry sources confirmed Alice’s death, with Portugal’s Consul General in Manchester assisting her grieving family. Alice’s mother, Alexandra Aguiar, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and her father, David Aguiar, had moved to the UK from Madeira.
Relative Carina Aguiar, a hotel worker in Madeira, shared her grief on social media, writing: “Princess Alice. In this moment of great pain my soul hurts, my body hurts, my mind hurts. I have a lump in my throat. You were just an innocent child, a happy smiley girl with a bright life ahead of you which a despicable human being took away from you, without pity, for no reason.
Friends and family members have also expressed their condolences. Friend Claudia Trindade said, “Have strength. Let my dear God console the hearts of her parents.” Another friend, Henrique Drummond, wrote directly to Alice’s parents: “Life is so cruel that an animal takes the life of children, especially our Alice. Lots of strength in these extremely difficult moments.”
The attack took place in a fully-booked club for children, advertised as a dance and yoga workshop with bracelet-making activities. Witnesses described the scene as “like a horror movie” after the suspect, wearing a black hooded top and facemask, entered the studio through an unlocked door.
Emergency services described the scene as “horrific” and “chaotic.” The suspect, born in Cardiff, is from the village of Banks near Southport. A property in Banks was cordoned off by detectives on Monday afternoon.
At the scene today, flowers and teddies were left by the police cordon. Messages expressed sympathy and support for the victims and their families. One card read: “Fly high with angels little ones.
Taylor Swift shared her horror on social media, writing: “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.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, and other officials visited the scene to lay flowers and pay tribute. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner expressed her condolences in the Commons, acknowledging the unimaginable pain and suffering of the families affected.
The community of Southport is in mourning as they come to terms with the tragic loss and the impact on their town. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, highlighting the bravery of those who tried to protect the children during the attack.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families and ensuring justice for those affected by this devastating incident.
