Southport Stabbing Horror: Tragic Death of 9-Year-Old Alice Aguiar
One of the three children killed in the horrific Southport stabbing has been named as nine-year-old Alice Aguiar. Her heartbroken family described her as a “happy smiley girl with a bright life ahead,” ruthlessly taken by a “despicable human being.”
Attack at Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class
Alice died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack, which also claimed the lives of two other young girls, aged six and seven. The horrifying stabbing unfolded at a fully-booked Taylor Swift-themed dance class at Hart Space Studios in Southport.
Five other children, aged six to eleven, remain in critical condition, along with two brave female adults who tried to protect them. A 17-year-old boy from nearby Banks, Southport, is in custody, charged with murder and attempted murder. Police say they are not seeking anyone else and have ruled out terrorism.
Family and Friends Mourn Innocent Alice
Portuguese officials confirmed Alice’s death, with the Consul General in Manchester supporting her grieving family. Alice’s mother, Alexandra Aguiar, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and her father, David Aguiar, moved to the UK from Madeira.
Relative Carina Aguiar shared her heartbreak on social media, writing: “Princess Alice. My soul hurts, my body hurts, my mind hurts. You were just an innocent child, a happy smiley girl with a bright life ahead of you, which a despicable human being took away without pity, for no reason.”
Friends and family flooded social media with tributes. Claudia Trindade urged strength: “Let my dear God console the hearts of her parents.” Friend Henrique Drummond said: “Life is cruel when an animal takes the life of children, especially our Alice. Lots of strength in these extremely difficult moments.”
Community in Shock as Police Investigate
The attack took place in a children’s club offering dance, yoga, and bracelet-making. Witnesses described the scene as “like a horror movie” after the hooded, facemask-wearing suspect entered through an unlocked door.
Emergency services called the scene “horrific” and “chaotic.” Detectives cordoned off a property in Banks, the suspect’s home village. Flowers and teddy bears now line the police cordon in Southport, with grieving locals and officials paying their respects.
Taylor Swift expressed her shock on social media: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone there—the families, first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to convey my sympathies to these families.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited the scene to lay flowers and pay tribute. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy praised the bravery of those who tried to protect the children.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting victims and their families and seeking justice after this devastating tragedy.
