A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a horrifying stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The suspect, whose identity remains protected due to his age, faces charges of murdering six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
The teenager, from the nearby village of Banks in Lancashire, has also been charged with ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The brutal attack occurred on Monday during a summer holiday club at The Hart Space community centre, where a “Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop” for children aged seven to eleven was taking place. In addition to the three fatalities, eight other children sustained stab wounds. Five of these youngsters, along with two women who tried to intervene, remain in critical condition.Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy announce that a 17-year-old has been charged with murder.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police commented, “Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation, and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West to ensure we have as complete an understanding as possible of this matter.”Bebe King, six, was the youngest child killed at the holiday club in Southport, Merseyside.Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was also killed in the attack – her grieving mother has since called for calm.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, added, “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized Merseyside Police to charge a 17-year-old male, of Banks, Lancashire, with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder following the tragic incident that took place in Southport this week. We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”
Widespread Unrest and Calls for Calm
The attack has sparked significant unrest, with violent protests erupting in Southport, Hartlepool, London, and Manchester. False speculation about the suspect’s identity led to riots, with protesters setting a police van on fire in Southport and clashing with officers.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley condemned the rioters, stating they must face the “full force of the law” for their actions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also criticized the rioters for “hijacking” a vigil for the victims and promised they would be held accountable.
Elsie’s mother, Jenni Stancombe, called for an end to the violence in a heartfelt Facebook post: “Please, please stop the violence in Southport tonight. The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don’t need this.
Vigil and Mourning
A vigil held for the victims saw thousands of mourners gather to pay their respects. However, the peaceful event was overshadowed by subsequent violence as emotions ran high
The community remains in mourning as the investigation continues, with authorities working to understand the full circumstances of this tragic event.
