Hundreds attend vigil in Southport and community comes together after three girls killed in attack

Hundreds of people attended a vigil in Southport in support of the victims of the attack this week.

A community has been hurt and shocked by the events but has come together to help each other in a particularly difficult time.

Three girls – Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 – were killed in the attack on Monday (29 July) and have now been named by police along with a request that their families’ privacy is respected.

Bebe’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

The family of Alice said: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

Five children and two adults remain in a critical conditions following the knife attack, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event. Merseyside Police were called to Hart Street at around 11.50am.

Hundreds attend a vigil in Southport. Credit: Stand Up For Southport

Swift is among many who have issued statements in the aftermath of the attack. She said: “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 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.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Southport, where he offered thanks to emergency service workers, telling them he is “incredibly proud” of their response to the incident.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic events.

“Our thoughts are with all the victims of this attack and their families. I’d like to thank all those who responded to the incident and helped in any way they could in what must have been extremely difficult circumstances.

“We know this has caused concern and upset in the local community and while there is no immediate threat to the public we will be providing help and support in the coming days and weeks.

“We are working closely with our partners, including the police, and further updates will be issued in due course. We’d ask people not to speculate on social media as this may hamper the investigation and any future court proceedings and provide further distress to those affected.”

The cordon in Southport on Monday evening. Credit: Blog Preston

A 17-year-old male, from Banks but originally from Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Natasha Sandland, Head Teacher of Marshside Primary School where Bebe King attended, said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.

“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.

“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.

“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”

Miss Jennifer Sephton, Head Teacher at Farnborough Road Infant School where Elsie attended, said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Elsie.

“Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.

“Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.

“It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.

“We are supporting our school community including pupils, teachers and parents throughout this extremely difficult time and would reiterate the need for privacy at this time.”

Southport Hesketh Round Table is fundraising to help support the families and children impacted by the incident.

Ongoing updates, tributes and support are being provided by Stand Up For Southport.

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