Devastated families are mourning the loss of three young girls who were killed in a tragic knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport. The victims, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, have left families and the community in shock.
Bebe King’s family expressed their devastation, describing her as a joyful girl whose kindness impacted the entire community. Alice Dasilva Aguiar was remembered as the happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine by her school’s headteacher. Alice’s family paid tribute to her, urging her to keep smiling and dancing, as she was their princess.
The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, visited Southport to pay his respects to the families of the victims and first responders who dealt with the tragedy. He laid a wreath at the scene, expressing the nation’s thoughts and condolences to the victims and families. Ambulance staff were visibly upset as they paid their respects, and a vigil was expected to be held in the seaside town.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene as a disaster film, with a window cleaner recounting his encounter with the knifeman. One of the heroic dance class teachers, Leanne Lucas, is fighting for her life after trying to protect the children during the attack. Taylor Swift, whose dance class theme was the backdrop of the tragedy, expressed her shock and condolences to the families affected.
The tragedy unfolded at a dance workshop where children aged six to 11 were participating in summer activities. Survivors and witnesses shared their harrowing experiences, with one man attempting to disarm the attacker and suffering injuries in the process. False information circulating on social media prompted police to urge the public not to speculate about the incident.
The suspect, a 17-year-old boy, is in custody, and police have confirmed that the incident is not terror-related. The community and authorities are coming together to support the victims, their families, and those still fighting for their lives. The outpouring of support and fundraising efforts from the public show solidarity in the face of tragedy.
