Violent riots erupt across UK after three girls died in Southport stabbings

Aug 01, 2024 07:10

More than 100 people were arrested in central London as riots broke out across the country in the aftermath of Monday’s deadly Southport stabbing attack.

Early this morning, it was confirmed a 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder and attempted murder after three children were killed in the attack at a dance class.

The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, is due to make an appearance at Liverpool Magistrates Court later today.

No further details have been provided by the police about the accused, beyond his age, his birthplace of Cardiff, and the fact he was living in the nearby Merseyside village of Banks.

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Violent unrest also erupted last night in Hartlepool, where eight arrests were made, as well as in Manchester and Aldershot.

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England footballer Anthony Gordon has reportedly donated £10,000 to a fundraiser for the victims of the knife attack.

The 23-year-old left player from Liverpool gave the money to a GoFundMe page – the largest single donation the campaign has received, The Sun reports.

Another fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on JustGiving has raised almost £330,000 for the families affected by the tragedy.

The victims of the knife rampage were attending a Taylor Swift-themed summer dance party at Hart Space Studios which eyewitnesses described as ‘the biggest, horrific thing you could ever witness.’

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The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

He is also facing ten attempted murder charges, and he is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court later today.

August 1, 2024 6:36 amRiots spread across the UK after Southport attack Noora Mykkanen {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Metro.co.uk","duration":"T5M23S","thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2024\/07\/31\/19\/88008787-0-image-a-16_1722451850963.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-07-31T19:50:09+0100","description":"Police controlled people attending the 'Enough is Enough' protest in Parliament Square, London, following the fatal stabbing of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday in Southport.","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2024\/07\/31\/3237813625240372216\/480x270_MP4_3237813625240372216.mp4","height":270,"width":480}

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Over 100 people have been arrested in central London after further violence following the Southport stabbings.

Protests broke out across the UK, including in Hartlepool, Manchester, Aldershot and Downing Street.

Hundreds of people had gathered opposite Downing Street at 7pm yesterdaywhere they were only allowed to stayuntil 8.30pm under the police dispersal order.

A police car was set on fire after a large group of people had gathered in Hartlepool’s Murray Street area.

The protest at Downing Street was titled Enough is Enough as a large group of people clashed with the police, leading to more than 100 arrests.

The Met Police said: ‘Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions. Some officers suffered minor injuries.’

Protesters threw beer cans and glass bottles at a line of officers in riot gear while flares were thrown onto the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Chants of ‘we want our country back’ and ‘Oh Tommy Robinson’ were heard, referring to the right-wing activist who is believed to have fled the UK before he was due in High Court.

In Manchester, protesters gathered outside the Holiday Inn which spilled into Oldham Road, with police tactical units called in to break up the demonstration, the MEN reports.

July 31, 2024 11:01 pmHartlepool police pelted with eggs and bottles Katie Boyden

Cleveland Police have now confirmed four people have been arrested amid disorder in Hartlepool, and several officers have suffered minor injuries.

Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: ‘We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.

‘At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

‘Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.

‘I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.’

July 31, 2024 10:41 pmMan charged with possession of an offensive weapon in Stockport on Tuesday Katie Boyden

A man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

He was detained in Eastbank Street at around 6.55pm on Tuesday and a knife was recovered.

Jordan Davies, 32, of Portland Street, Southport, has been charged with possession of a knife, blade or sharp-pointed article in a public place.

He will appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court on Thursday.

July 31, 2024 10:29 pmFifth person arrested over Southport riots after he was recognised from video Katie Boyden

Merseyside Police has arrested a fifth person in connection with the Southport riots on Tuesday night.

Officers were called to a domestic incident earlier today, where a man reportedly made threats to a male family member.

The suspect was taken to hospital to treat a head injury – and police then recognised the man from video of the disorder on Tuesday.

The man is alleged to have thrown rocks at officers and hit a police van. He’s believed to have sustained his head injury during the disorder.

The suspect, aged 39 and from Southport, was also alleged to have racially abused another patient while in hospital.

He was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, threats to kill and a racially aggravated public order offence.

He was taken into custody to be interviewed and has now been conditionally bailed.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: ‘Our work to identify all those responsible for the despicable violence and aggression seen on the streets of Southport on Tuesday continues.

‘We have been inundated with images and footage from members of the public who were outraged at the destruction carried out.

‘The individuals involved in the disorder had no regard for the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives, and a community in grief.

‘It has been heartening today to see the reaction of the whole community, who have pulled together to clean the streets, rebuild walls and re-glaze broken windows.’

July 31, 2024 10:22 pm‘Several’ people arrested in Hartlepool Katie Boyden

A spokesperson for Hartlepool Police said: ‘There remains a policing presence in the Murray Street area while officers deal with disorder after responding to a protest – several arrests have already been made.

‘The road is still closed and people are advised to avoid the area.’

The town’s MP, Jonathan Brash, said: ‘I’m deeply concerned about the situation that is developing in Hartlepool this evening.

‘I will be meeting with police to discuss the response to this incident and would urge calm to allow our emergency services to do their job.

‘These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer.’

July 31, 2024 10:04 pmIncreased stop and search powers for police in Southport Danny Rigg

Scenes of violence where protesters set vans alight and attacked a mosque have led to tougher police powers being introduced in Southport.

Extra police will patrol the area as part of a Section 60 Order in place there until Thursday, having been introduced at 5pm today.

This gives police more powers to stop and search people in an effort to reduce violence.

Community Inspector Doug Chadwick said: ‘The scenes we saw last night in Southport were disgraceful, and these extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality are just one tool at our disposal as we seek to keep the public safe.

‘We are asking for the help of a community we know was left shocked and disappointed by the actions of those who engaged in disorder last night.

‘You can be our eyes and ears and tell us what you have seen so that we can take positive action.

‘People living in Southport can expect to see a continued and visible police presence.

‘I hope their continued presence is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.’

July 31, 2024 9:56 pmViolence spreads to Hartlepool Danny Rigg

There are ‘full on riots’ in Hartlepool, County Durham, where protesters have thrown bricks at police.

Officers wielding riot shields have charged crowds in an attempt to clear them from the streets.

An eyewitness said: ‘There’s a full on riot at the other end of the street. All the roads over there are blocked. They’re throwing bricks.’

One resident said: ‘I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.’

It’s not clear whether this is linked with the stabbings in Southport, in which four young girls died, or with the protest in London tonight.

Awful scenes in Hartlepool tonight. Police pushing back and trying to keep things under control. Truly horrifying. pic.twitter.com/bIDCPE3rrA

— Tom Burgess (@tburgessjourno) July 31, 2024 July 31, 2024 9:26 pmProtesters tackled to ground as police try to clear London protest Danny Rigg

A line of officers are slowly marching protesters towards Trafalgar Square in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

The static was supposed to end at 8.30pm, according to restrictions imposed by the Met Police.

Some protesters have been wrestled to the ground and led away in handcuffs after they confronted riot police.

July 31, 2024 9:01 pmEx-police officer filmed laughing as van set on fire in Southport Danny Rigg

Jonathan Brown has had something of a fall from grace – from policing the streets to cackling as his former colleagues’ van was set on fire.

All it took was getting caught buying cocaine outside a pub while he was looking after his three-year-old daughter, leading to his resignation last year.

Brown could be seen laughing and smiling as the violence and flames broke out during a live stream of the riot in Southport on Tuesday night, the Liverpool Echo reported.

He quit Merseyside Police after being caught by drugs in August 2022, for which has was charged and fined £475 after admitting possession of a Class A drug.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy concluded he would have been sacked for gross misconduct if he hadn’t resigned, meaning he’s been barred from holding any policing job in the future.

July 31, 2024 8:51 pmGB News presenter handcuffed during protest near Downing Street Danny Rigg

Martin Daubney was seen being handcuffed by police before he was released a short time later.

He appears to say, ‘I’m just trying to do my job, I have no problem with the police’, after his arms are released from behind his back.

The former magazine editor briefly served as a Member of the European Parliament for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party.

Daubney later became deputy leader of Laurence Fox’s Reclaim Party. He now works as a presenter on GB News.

July 31, 2024 8:22 pmFistfuls of beer on display at London protest Danny Rigg

Far-right protests often draw accusations of being an excuse for a boozy day out.

That accusation was certainly levelled at the rioters in Southport last night.

In London, demonstrators have been pictured with their fists wrapped firmly around cans of beer.

One protester had a whole armful of Stella Artois.

July 31, 2024 8:11 pmProtester bites police officer’s hand as 12 arrested Danny Rigg

A protester has been pictured biting the hand of a police officer during the demonstration near Downing Street.

The man appears to have the gloved thumb of an officer in his mouth. They are separated by a metal barrier.

Police have now detained more than 12 protesters, with many led away in handcuffs.

July 31, 2024 7:58 pmOne man detained during Southport stabbings protest in London Danny Rigg

At least one man has been detained during the protest in Whitehall.

Police wrestled a man wearing a balaclava off the road and onto the pavement.

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Demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street for what they claimed was a protest over the stabbings in Southport.

Although some protesters can be heard talking about knife crime getting out of control, most of the slogans are of a different nature.

‘Stop the boats’, says one banner unfurled at the protest, hinting out misinformation spread online claiming the suspect, from Cardiff, is an asylum seeker who arrived by boat last year.

Protesters can be heard chanting the name of former EDL leader Tommy Robinson, along with chants of ‘England til’ I die’ and ‘terrorists out of our country’.

Some have thrown beer cans and glass bottles at riot police, and flares at a statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Officers could earlier be heard trying to herd protesters off the road and into a spot designated for them until 8.30pm.

But protesters have decided to march down the road instead.

July 31, 2024 7:15 pmEngland footballer Anthony Gordon donates £10,000 to GoFundMe for victims’ families Danny Rigg

Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who played with England at the Euros this year, has donated £10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign this evening.

Gordon, who is originally from Liverpool, is now the top donor to the fundraiser launched to support the families of victims in Monday’s stabbing.

More than £47,000 have so far been raised, with a target of £50,000.

July 31, 2024 7:03 pm‘Pacing’ man picked up by taxi 20 minutes before stabbing Danny Rigg

Neighbours of the alleged Southport stabbing suspect saw a man ‘pacing’ outside a house before he got into a taxi around 11.30am on Monday.

Residents told the Liverpool Echo they’d seen the taxi pull up when they watched their Ring doorbell footage.

The stabbing at The Hart Space happened shortly before midday.

July 31, 2024 6:01 pmPolice prepared for possibility of another night of violence as misinformation spreads Danny Rigg

The local council has assured people that ‘there is no disruption or disorder’ in Southport so far this afternoon.

But Merseyside Police is on high alert due to a risk of repeat violence in Southport after last night’s riot.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: ‘I am absolutely concerned about repeats, there is that misinformation out there on social media, but please be reassured we are absolutely planning for that, please be reassured that we are planning for what might take place this evening and over the weekend.

‘We were really supported by colleagues from other forces last night and that support is available to us again.’

Like many of you, we are aware of social media speculation about disorder in Southport this afternoon.

We are in Southport Town Centre and are aware of peoples concerns and we want to take this opportunity to allay any fears people will have.

Thank You. pic.twitter.com/WHLlVXKFa0

— Sefton Council (@seftoncouncil) July 31, 2024 July 31, 2024 4:37 pmFour arrests after night of violent disorder

Four men have now been arrested after a far-right rioters raged on the streets of Southport last night.

Merseyside Police said four men have been arrested and taken into custody after the far-right English Defence League hijacked a vigil being held for the stabbing victims.

They added the disorder began at around 7.45pm and the crowd left by about midnight.

A total of four men have been arrested and taken into custody.

A 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder

A 31-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder

A 39-year-old man from Southport was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder

A 32-year-old man from Manchester with a probation address in Southport was arrested on suspicion of Affray and Possession of a bladed article

Police said the rioters destroyed garden walls to use the bricks as missiles to attack officers and randomly set cars belonging to the public on fire.

They also threw bricks at the local Mosque, damaged a local convenience shop, and set wheelie bins on fire.

Three police dogs were also injured. Police Dog Zoe sustained a cuts to her leg, has been stitched and is now resting. Police Dog Ike is recovering after getting cuts to his mouth and swelling to his front leg.

Police Dog Quga suffered burns to her back leg. A fourth dog, Police Dog Repo, was spared injury after his handler kicked petrol away from him.

{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","datePublished":"2024-07-29T13:23:35+01:00","dateModified":"2024-08-01T08:08:22+01:00","coverageStartTime":"2024-08-01T06:21:59+01:00","coverageEndTime":"2024-08-02T07:27:22+00:00","headline":"Southport stabbing latest news","description":"Protesters threw cans and flares while chanting 'Tommy Robinson'.","image":false,"liveBlogUpdate":[{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21339393","datePublished":"2024-08-01T07:27:22+01:00","dateModified":"2024-08-01T07:33:10+01:00","articleBody":"England footballer Anthony Gordon has reportedly donated \u00a310,000 to a fundraiser for the victims of the knife attack. \n \nThe 23-year-old left player from Liverpool gave the money to a GoFundMe page - the largest single donation the campaign has received, The Sun reports. \n \nAnother fundraiser for Alder Hey Children's Hospital on JustGiving has raised almost \u00a3330,000 for the families affected by the tragedy. \n \nThe victims of the knife rampage were attending a Taylor Swift-themed summer dance party at Hart Space Studios which eyewitnesses described as 'the biggest, horrific thing you could ever witness.'","headline":"England football star gives \u00a310,000 to Southport victims","author":{"name":"Noora Mykkanen"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21339302","datePublished":"2024-08-01T06:56:47+01:00","dateModified":"2024-08-01T06:56:47+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nThe 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. \n \nHe is also facing ten attempted murder charges, and he is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court later today.","headline":"17-year-old charged with murder of three girls","author":{"name":"Noora Mykkanen"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21339226","datePublished":"2024-08-01T06:36:13+01:00","dateModified":"2024-08-01T07:16:58+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nOver 100 people have been arrested in central London after further violence following the Southport stabbings. \n \nProtests broke out across the UK, including in Hartlepool, Manchester, Aldershot and Downing Street. \n \nHundreds of people had gathered opposite Downing Street at 7pm yesterday where they were only allowed to stay until 8.30pm under the police dispersal order. \n \nA police car was set on fire after a large group of people had gathered in Hartlepool's Murray Street area. \n \nThe protest at Downing Street was titled Enough is Enough as a large group of people clashed with the police, leading to more than 100 arrests. \n \n\n \nThe Met Police said: 'Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions. Some officers suffered minor injuries.' \n \nProtesters threw beer cans and glass bottles at a line of officers in riot gear while flares were thrown onto the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square. \n \nChants of 'we want our country back' and 'Oh Tommy Robinson' were heard, referring to the right-wing activist who is believed to have fled the UK before he was due in High Court. \n \nIn Manchester, protesters gathered outside the Holiday Inn which spilled into Oldham Road, with police tactical units called in to break up the demonstration, the MEN reports.","headline":"Riots spread across the UK after Southport attack","author":{"name":"Noora Mykkanen"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338481","datePublished":"2024-07-31T23:01:28+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T23:01:28+01:00","articleBody":"Cleveland Police have now confirmed four people have been arrested amid disorder in Hartlepool, and several officers have suffered minor injuries.\n \nChief Superintendent David Sutherland said: 'We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.\n \n'At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.\n \n'Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.\n \n'I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.'","headline":"Hartlepool police pelted with eggs and bottles","author":{"name":"katie-boyden"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338420","datePublished":"2024-07-31T22:41:26+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:41:27+01:00","articleBody":"A man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.\n \nHe was detained in Eastbank Street at around 6.55pm on Tuesday and a knife was recovered.\n \nJordan Davies, 32, of Portland Street, Southport, has been charged with possession of a knife, blade or sharp-pointed article in a public place.\n \nHe will appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court on Thursday.","headline":"Man charged with possession of an offensive weapon in Stockport on Tuesday","author":{"name":"katie-boyden"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338396","datePublished":"2024-07-31T22:29:04+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:39:55+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nMerseyside Police has arrested a fifth person in connection with the Southport riots on Tuesday night.\n \nOfficers were called to a domestic incident earlier today, where a man reportedly made threats to a male family member.\n \nThe suspect was taken to hospital to treat a head injury - and police then recognised the man from video of the disorder on Tuesday.\n \nThe man is alleged to have thrown rocks at officers and hit a police van. He's believed to have sustained his head injury during the disorder.\n \nThe suspect, aged 39 and from Southport, was also alleged to have racially abused another patient while in hospital.\n \nHe was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, threats to kill and a racially aggravated public order offence.\u00a0\n \nHe was taken into custody to be interviewed and has now been conditionally bailed.\n \nAssistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: 'Our work to identify all those responsible for the despicable violence and aggression seen on the streets of Southport on Tuesday continues.\n \n'We have been inundated with images and footage from members of the public who were outraged at the destruction carried out.\n \n'The individuals involved in the disorder had no regard for the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives, and a community in grief.\n \n'It has been heartening today to see the reaction of the whole community, who have pulled together to clean the streets, rebuild walls and re-glaze broken windows.'","headline":"Fifth person arrested over Southport riots after he was recognised from video","author":{"name":"katie-boyden"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338375","datePublished":"2024-07-31T22:22:03+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:22:03+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nA spokesperson for Hartlepool Police said: 'There remains a policing presence in the Murray Street area while officers deal with disorder after responding to a protest - several arrests have already been made.\n \n'The road is still closed and people are advised to avoid the area.'\n \nThe town's MP, Jonathan Brash, said: 'I'm deeply concerned about the situation that is developing in Hartlepool this evening.\n \n'I will be meeting with police to discuss the response to this incident and would urge calm to allow our emergency services to do their job.\n \n'These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer.'","headline":"'Several' people arrested in Hartlepool","author":{"name":"katie-boyden"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338291","datePublished":"2024-07-31T22:04:31+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:04:32+01:00","articleBody":"Scenes of violence where protesters set vans alight and attacked a mosque have led to tougher police powers being introduced in Southport.\n \nExtra police will patrol the area as part of a Section 60 Order in place there until Thursday, having been introduced at 5pm today.\n \nThis gives police more powers to stop and search people in an effort to reduce violence.\n \nCommunity Inspector Doug Chadwick said: 'The scenes we saw last night in Southport were disgraceful, and these extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality are just one tool at our disposal as we seek to keep the public safe.\n \n'We are asking for the help of a community we know was left shocked and disappointed by the actions of those who engaged in disorder last night.\n \n'You can be our eyes and ears and tell us what you have seen so that we can take positive action.\n \n'People living in Southport can expect to see a continued and visible police presence.\n \n'I hope their continued presence is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.'","headline":"Increased stop and search powers for police in Southport","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338224","datePublished":"2024-07-31T21:56:09+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:08:31+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nThere are 'full on riots' in Hartlepool, County Durham, where protesters have thrown bricks at police.\n \nOfficers wielding riot shields have charged crowds in an attempt to clear them from the streets.\n \nAn eyewitness said: 'There's a full on riot at the other end of the street. All the roads over there are blocked. They're throwing bricks.'\n \nOne resident said: 'I've never seen anything like it in my life.'\n \nIt's not clear whether this is linked with the stabbings in Southport, in which four young girls died, or with the protest in London tonight.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tburgessjourno\/status\/1818743799746847159","headline":"Violence spreads to Hartlepool","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21338114","datePublished":"2024-07-31T21:26:33+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T21:28:51+01:00","articleBody":"A line of officers are slowly marching protesters towards Trafalgar Square in an attempt to disperse the crowd.\n \nThe static was supposed to end at 8.30pm, according to restrictions imposed by the Met Police.\n \nSome protesters have been wrestled to the ground and led away in handcuffs after they confronted riot police.\n \n\n \n","headline":"Protesters tackled to ground as police try to clear London protest","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337996","datePublished":"2024-07-31T21:01:16+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T21:01:16+01:00","articleBody":"Jonathan Brown has had something of a fall from grace - from policing the streets to cackling as his former colleagues' van was set on fire.\n \nAll it took was getting caught buying cocaine outside a pub while he was looking after his three-year-old daughter, leading to his resignation last year.\n \nBrown could be seen laughing and smiling as the violence and flames broke out during a live stream of the riot in Southport on Tuesday night, the Liverpool Echo reported.\n \nHe quit Merseyside Police after being caught by drugs in August 2022, for which has was charged and fined \u00a3475 after admitting possession of a Class A drug.\n \nChief Constable Serena Kennedy\u00a0concluded he would have been sacked for gross misconduct if he hadn't resigned, meaning he's been barred from holding any policing job in the future.","headline":"Ex-police officer filmed laughing as van set on fire in Southport","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337952","datePublished":"2024-07-31T20:51:15+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T20:51:15+01:00","articleBody":"Martin Daubney was seen being handcuffed by police before he was released a short time later.\n \nHe appears to say, 'I'm just trying to do my job, I have no problem with the police', after his arms are released from behind his back.\n \nThe former magazine editor briefly served as a Member of the European Parliament for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party.\n \nDaubney later became deputy leader of Laurence Fox's Reclaim Party. He now works as a presenter on GB News.","headline":"GB News presenter handcuffed during protest near Downing Street","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337876","datePublished":"2024-07-31T20:22:45+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T20:22:46+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nFar-right protests often draw accusations of being an excuse for a boozy day out.\n \nThat accusation was certainly levelled at the rioters in Southport last night.\n \nIn London, demonstrators have been pictured with their fists wrapped firmly around cans of beer.\n \nOne protester had a whole armful of Stella Artois.\n \n","headline":"Fistfuls of beer on display at London protest","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337848","datePublished":"2024-07-31T20:11:48+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T20:24:25+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nA protester has been pictured biting the hand of a police officer during the demonstration near Downing Street.\n \nThe man appears to have the gloved thumb of an officer in his mouth. They are separated by a metal barrier.\n \nPolice have now detained more than 12 protesters, with many led away in handcuffs.","headline":"Protester bites police officer's hand as 12 arrested","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337804","datePublished":"2024-07-31T19:58:46+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T22:06:30+01:00","articleBody":"At least one man has been detained during the protest in Whitehall.\n \nPolice wrestled a man wearing a balaclava off the road and onto the pavement.\n \n","headline":"One man detained during Southport stabbings protest in London","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337743","datePublished":"2024-07-31T19:49:24+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T19:54:12+01:00","articleBody":"\n \n\n \n\n \nDemonstrators gathered outside Downing Street for what they claimed was a protest over the stabbings in Southport.\n \nAlthough some protesters can be heard talking about knife crime getting out of control, most of the slogans are of a different nature.\n \n'Stop the boats', says one banner unfurled at the protest, hinting out misinformation spread online claiming the suspect, from Cardiff, is an asylum seeker who arrived by boat last year.\n \nProtesters can be heard chanting the name of former EDL leader Tommy Robinson, along with chants of 'England til' I die' and 'terrorists out of our country'.\n \nSome have thrown beer cans and glass bottles at riot police, and flares at a statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.\n \nOfficers could earlier be heard trying to herd protesters off the road and into a spot designated for them until 8.30pm.\n \nBut protesters have decided to march down the road instead.","headline":"Far-right protest over Southport stabbings turns violent in London","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337612","datePublished":"2024-07-31T19:15:55+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T19:16:31+01:00","articleBody":"Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who played with England at the Euros this year, has donated \u00a310,000 to a GoFundMe campaign this evening.\n \nGordon, who is originally from Liverpool, is now the top donor to the fundraiser launched to support the families of victims in Monday's stabbing.\n \nMore than \u00a347,000 have so far been raised, with a target of \u00a350,000.","headline":"England footballer Anthony Gordon donates \u00a310,000 to GoFundMe for victims' families","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337578","datePublished":"2024-07-31T19:03:18+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T19:03:41+01:00","articleBody":"Neighbours of the alleged Southport stabbing suspect saw a man 'pacing' outside a house before he got into a taxi around 11.30am on Monday.\n \nResidents told the Liverpool Echo they'd seen the taxi pull up when they watched their Ring doorbell footage.\n \nThe stabbing at The Hart Space happened shortly before midday.","headline":"'Pacing' man picked up by taxi 20 minutes before stabbing","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21337329","datePublished":"2024-07-31T18:01:01+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T18:01:02+01:00","articleBody":"The local council has assured people that 'there is no disruption or disorder' in Southport so far this afternoon.\n \nBut Merseyside Police is on high alert due to a risk of repeat violence in Southport after last night's riot.\n \nChief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'I am absolutely concerned about repeats, there is that misinformation out there on social media, but please be reassured we are absolutely planning for that, please be reassured that we are planning for what might take place this evening and over the weekend.\n \n'We were really supported by colleagues from other forces last night and that support is available to us again.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/seftoncouncil\/status\/1818658232321048952","headline":"Police prepared for possibility of another night of violence as misinformation spreads","author":{"name":"danny-rigg"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21336713","datePublished":"2024-07-31T16:37:11+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:37:11+01:00","articleBody":"Four men have now been arrested after a far-right rioters raged on the streets of Southport last night.\n \nMerseyside Police said four men have been arrested and taken into custody after the far-right\u00a0English Defence League\u00a0hijacked a vigil being held for the stabbing victims.\n \nThey added the disorder began at around 7.45pm and the crowd left by about midnight.\n \nA total of four men have been arrested and taken into custody.\n \nA 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder\n \nA 31-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder\n \nA 39-year-old man from Southport was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder\n \nA 32-year-old man from Manchester with a probation address in Southport was arrested on suspicion of Affray and Possession of a bladed article\n \nPolice said the rioters destroyed garden walls to use the bricks as missiles to attack officers and randomly set cars belonging to the public on fire. \n \nThey also threw bricks at the local Mosque, damaged a local convenience shop, and set wheelie bins on fire.\n \nThree police dogs were also injured. Police Dog Zoe sustained a cuts to her leg, has been stitched and is now resting. Police Dog Ike is recovering after getting cuts to his mouth and swelling to his front leg. \n \n Police Dog Quga suffered burns to her back leg. A fourth dog, Police Dog Repo, was spared injury after his handler kicked petrol away from him.","headline":"Four arrests after night of violent disorder","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21336711","datePublished":"2024-07-31T16:36:54+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:39:39+01:00","articleBody":"Jonathan Hayes, who runs a business next door to the studio where the knife attack took place, has undergone major surgery after being stabbed in the leg while trying to stop it.\n \nAsked about press reports branding him a hero, he said: \u2018Some would say confronting a guy wielding a hunting knife is utter madness.\u2019\n \nMr Hayes, a director at Calculus Legal Costs Limited, ran into the studio after hearing the children screaming as they were attacked.\n \nThree were killed, while he and yoga teacher Leanne Lucas were seriously hurt when the knifeman turned his blade on them for trying to intervene.\n \nMr Hayes told the broadcaster he expects to be in hospital for some time as he still cannot walk.\n \nHe said he has been \u2018overwhelmed by the number of well wishes I have received\u2019 and wanted to thank everyone who has reached out to him.\n \n","headline":"Hero businessman \u2018overwhelmed\u2019 by well wishes","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21336379","datePublished":"2024-07-31T16:11:21+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:11:26+01:00","articleBody":"A yoga teacher protected children from the Southport attack by using her body as a shield.\n \nLeanne Lucas hid two people in a storage room and bent over two children to save them after a knifeman stormed into the Taylor Swift-themed holiday dance camp on Monday.\n \nAlice Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Stancombe, 7, all died in the attack while eight other children were injured. Two adults, including Leanne, were critically injured.\n \nHer cousin Chris Rimmer, 41, has said she is now awake after having life-saving surgery.\n \nHe told The Times: 'She put her arms up, all her arms are cut.\n \n'She was just worried about everyone else, I don\u2019t think she\u2019s worried about herself.\n \n'She\u2019s not self-conscious, if that makes sense. She always thinks about everyone else before herself.'\n \nHe added: 'I think she was due for another examination today, another operation, but not as bad.'\n \n","headline":"Yoga teacher protected children during attack","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335835","datePublished":"2024-07-31T15:10:42+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T15:19:20+01:00","articleBody":"Three people have been arrested after a night of violence from right-wing rioters in Southport.\n \nPolice Chief Constable\u00a0Serena Kennedy said: 'Our priority was to try and keep the communities of\u00a0Southport\u00a0safe and also to make sure officers remained safe.\n \n'Three arrests were made, however more will follow. It\u2019s impossible to say (how many will be arrested). It\u2019s really early days in the investigation.\u201d\n \nShe estimated 200 to 300 people were involved.\n \n'Initially, there were about 70 people who made their way away from the vigil and were making their way towards the mosque.\n \n'They suddenly became about 200 in number and then others joined that number.'\n \nA total of 54 officers were injured, including 49 from Merseyside Police and four from Lancashire.","headline":"Three people arrested after night of disorder","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335816","datePublished":"2024-07-31T15:08:06+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T15:08:06+01:00","articleBody":"The young girls that were injured in the Southport stabbing are still receiving treatment in hospital, Merseyside Police have said.\n \nPolice Chief Constable\u00a0Serena Kennedy said in an update this afternoon: 'In terms of the little girls that are in hospital, none of them have been released yet - they are still receiving treatment.'\n \nEight children were stabbed at the event, while two are in a critical yet stable condition.","headline":"Girls in hospital still being treated","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335602","datePublished":"2024-07-31T14:44:02+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T14:44:02+01:00","articleBody":"The Taylor Swift fans who have helped raise a staggering \u00a3300,000 for the victims have also set up an Amazon wish list full of gifts to be sent to all the children who were at the dance class when the knife attack occurred.\n \nCristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire and Holly Goldring from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, started the JustGiving page.\n \nShortly before it passed \u00a3300,000 this afternoon, Cristina tweeted a link to the wish list, which includes a biography of US singer Swift for children, as well as stickers and charms.\n \nShe posted: \u2018We are sending gift parcels to ALL the kids that attended to let them know we care. If you could send just one thing we would be very grateful.\u2019\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/metsswift\/status\/1818609710196568338","headline":"\u2018Swifties for Southport\u2019 sending gifts to children at Taylor Swift dance class","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335469","datePublished":"2024-07-31T14:29:21+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:04:39+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nMetro mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram said: \u2018What we saw last night was infiltration by people from all over the country, stirred up by social media and then whipped up into a frenzy whereby they were attacking the very people that everybody earlier in the day was celebrating for being the heroes, for running towards danger.\u2019\n \nHe said he had heard the opinion that protests began because of a \u2018wall of silence\u2019 about what had happened.\n \nMr Rotheram said: \u2018Let\u2019s be absolutely brutal and honest \u2013 what are those questions that remain unanswered?\n \n\u2018Well, the name of the individual. That\u2019s because of legal reasons, that person\u2019s 17.\n \n\u2018The one that social media wants to find out is the religion of that person. So you have to ask yourself the questions, why would anybody want to know the religion of the perpetrator of this vicious and heinous crime?\n \n\u2018And it\u2019s to do exactly what we just talked about earlier, which is to stir up more tension in this community.\u2019\n \n","headline":"Rioters \u2018infiltrated\u2019 Southport after being \u2018whipped up into a frenzy\u2019 online, mayor says","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335344","datePublished":"2024-07-31T14:12:09+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T14:12:10+01:00","articleBody":"Visiting the scene of Tuesday\u2019s violence, Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'I am absolutely appalled and disgusted at the level of violence that was shown towards my officers.\n \n'These are the same officers who have been supporting this community for the last 48 hours.\n \n'Some of the first responders who attended that awful scene on Monday and then were faced with that level of violence.'\n \nShe said: 'They were there purely for hooliganism and thuggery.'\n \nMs Kennedy added: 'We were absolutely not caught unawares last night.'\n \n","headline":"Chief Constable 'appalled and disgusted' by rioters","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335324","datePublished":"2024-07-31T14:08:46+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:37:56+01:00","articleBody":"Sebastian Taylor, 10, was helping sweep up near the mosque with his sister Evelyn, seven, and mum Gemma.\n \nHe said: \u2018Last night was just horrible so we were like \u201cyou know what, we should help because everyone was helping\u201d.\u2019\n \nSebastian added: \u2018We were sweeping up bricks and metal and bottles and we were sweeping up burnt pieces of bins which had been on fire.\u2019\n \nHe said he watched as local volunteers removed all the bricks from a wall which was partially demolished around the mosque so it can be rebuilt.\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nThose helping move the bricks said builders in the area had already said they would help repair walls wrecked in the riot for free.\n \nSebastian said his family lives just a short distance from where the violence erupted.\n \nHe said: \u2018It was really scary.\u2019\n \nGemma said: \u2018The first I saw was a load of people walking down our road which you wouldn\u2019t walk down unless you lived down there.\n \n\u2018I thought \u201cit\u2019s happening\u201d and got them all upstairs and shut all the blinds. Unfortunately, you can\u2019t keep them away from it if it\u2019s right on our doorstep and they looked out of the window.\u2019","headline":"Children help with the clear up operation after \u2018horrible\u2019 riots","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335299","datePublished":"2024-07-31T14:03:32+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T14:25:04+01:00","articleBody":"Taylor Swift fans have now raised more than \u00a3300,000 for victims of the Southport knife attack.\n \nCristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire and Holly Goldring from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, started the JustGiving page to ease the \u2018financial burden\u2019 on the families involved.\n \n\u2018What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,\u201d Ms Jones said yesterday.\n \n\u2018It feels really nice we\u2019ve done something really positive.\n \n\u2018I firmly believe there\u2019s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they\u2019re going through right now, but if we\u2019ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it\u2019s nice to know that we\u2019ve done what we can do.\u2019\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/metsswift\/status\/1818630405819650541\n\n \n\n \nMeanwhile, Ms Goldring, 27, said it is \u2018within Swifties\u2019 nature to care and love and support each other\u2019.\n \nThe sales manager hopes the fundraiser can offer the family \u2018an ounce of comfort\u2019 through the \u2018utter turmoil\u2019 of losing their children to Monday\u2019s knife attack.\n \n\u2018The last thing a family should be worrying about is the how they\u2019re going to pay for the funeral of their little girl,\u2019 Ms Goldring said.\n \n","headline":"'Swifties for Southport' fundraiser hits \u00a3300,000","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21335078","datePublished":"2024-07-31T13:39:08+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T13:39:08+01:00","articleBody":"Farnborough Road Infant School headteacher Jennifer Sephton said the school was \u201cheartbroken and devastated\u201d by the death of their pupil Elsie.\n \nA message from the school read: \u2018It has always been a pleasure to have Elsie as part of our school. From her nursery days being carried on Dad\u2019s shoulders into the playground, she was a girl with a super, beaming smile. \n \n\u2018Elsie loved life, school and her friends. Her eyes lit up when she spoke. Elsie was such a determined young lady who loved to please. \n \n\u2018She was a kind and caring friend to all the children in her class and was always there to look after anyone who was upset. She loved performing, singing, dancing and loved being on the stage.\n \n\u2018She was adored by her friends and known by everyone in school due to the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious energy and charismatic personality. \n \n\u2018It is difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.\n \n\u2018We will miss you, Elsie. You were one of a kind. You will always be a Farnborough girl.\u2019\n \n\n \n","headline":"Elsie was \u2018a kind and caring friend to all the children in her class\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21334695","datePublished":"2024-07-31T12:52:32+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:38:05+01:00","articleBody":"Detectives have been granted more time to question the 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of the Southport knife attacks.\n \nThe teenager, who has not been named because of his age, remains in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.\n \nThree girls \u2013 Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, \u2013 were fatally stabbed in Southport on Monday.\n \nEight other youngsters suffered knife wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured.\n \nAfter the first 48 hours, police can apply for permission from magistrates to hold a suspect for up to a total of 96 hours without charge.","headline":"Detectives granted more time to quiz 17-year-old suspect","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21334479","datePublished":"2024-07-31T12:29:17+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T12:29:17+01:00","articleBody":"Southport mosque chairman Ibrahim Hussein said he was trapped in the building with about eight others as the violence erupted and feared the rioters might smash their way inside.\n \nHe told reporters: \u2018It was terrifying. It was absolutely, awful, horrendous.\n \n\u2018We couldn\u2019t understand this viciousness that was going on, and even the police were taking a hammering from this lot.\u2019\n \nMr Hussein added: \u2018We don\u2019t know why we are the focus of these people who came round throwing abuse and throwing missiles and throwing bricks. We don\u2019t know why we\u2019re being targeted in that way.\u2019\n \nHe said he understood why the teenager arrested over the deaths of the three children on Monday had yet to be named, adding: \u2018It\u2019s not for me to say what the police should or shouldn\u2019t do.\n \n\u2018But it would have been helpful if they (the police) had said that he is not Muslim. I would love them to do that. Not that that it makes a big difference because, even if he is a Muslim, why should that reflect on the whole community?\u2019\n \n\n \nAsked if he thought the far-right had hijacked his town, Mr Hussein said: \u2018Naturally. This is a beautiful town. We\u2019ve lived here 30 years, no bother at all. We love this community. The community loves us. We don\u2019t have any issues.\u2019\n \nResponding to questions about the reaction from the local community, with people bringing flowers to the mosque and organising repairs, he said: \u2018That was humbling. It really was humbling.\n \n\u2018I know the people of Southport and I know how beautiful they are but this was still a moving experience to see all that.\u2019\n \nHe added of the disorder on Tuesday night: \u2018I\u2019m feeling drained. Where did that come from and why and what has this got to with us?\u2019","headline":"Southport mosque chairman describes being \u2018trapped\u2019 in building as riot raged outside","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21334241","datePublished":"2024-07-31T12:04:54+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T12:04:54+01:00","articleBody":"Scotland\u2019s former first minister Humza Yousaf has called for the English Defence League (EDL) to be proscribed under terrorism laws following the riot in Southport.\n \nMerseyside Police have said they believed the group \u2013 which threw bricks at a mosque in the seaside town following a knife attack which killed three girls on Monday \u2013 was made up of supporters of the EDL.\n \nIn a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Mr Yousaf claimed 'Britain has a far-right problem\u201d, urging her to use anti-terrorism powers to make membership of the group illegal.\n \n'It is time we took on the English Defence League and the evil ideology that drives them,\u201d he wrote.\n \n'One of the immediate steps, in your gift as Home Secretary, is to proscribe the English Defence League, and their proxies, under the Terrorism Act 2000.'\n \nHe added that such action would not provide an 'overnight fix', but would demonstrate the Government\u2019s intention to be 'proactive in tackling far-right violence and terror that has been allowed to run rampant in the streets of the UK for far too long'.","headline":"Humza Yousaf calls for EDL to be outlawed as a terror group","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21334220","datePublished":"2024-07-31T12:02:47+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T12:02:47+01:00","articleBody":"\n \n\n \n","headline":"Children lay floral tributes","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21334104","datePublished":"2024-07-31T11:55:04+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T11:55:04+01:00","articleBody":"Local business owners in Southport have said the riots there last night are not what the town is about.\n \nDozens of volunteers - including children - were outside Southport mosque with brushes and shovels on Wednesday morning, after violent protests that saw bricks, stones and bottles thrown at police and cars set alight.\n \n\n \n\n \nGavin Williams and James Kennedy, both 37, own the Cove coffee shop and handed out free hot drinks outside the place of worship.\n \nMr Williams told the Telegraph: \u2018It\u2019s the least we could do.\u2019 \n \nOf the riots, he added: \u2018It\u2019s horrendous, absolutely horrendous. It\u2019s just not what the community is about at all, it\u2019s the opposite of what Southport is about.\n \n\u2018It was just harrowing to see that mum put that post out calling for calm. To feel the need to do that when she\u2019s grieving, it\u2019s just horrendous.\u2019\n \nJenni Stancombe, mum of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, appealed on social media for the violence to end. ","headline":"Riots are \u2018opposite of what Southport is about\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21333767","datePublished":"2024-07-31T11:24:28+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:59:19+01:00","articleBody":"Two more fundraisers have been set up in the wake of the knife attack \u2013 this time for locals caught up in the rioting.\n \nRose Tucker, 32, who owns a salon on Sussex Road, launched a GoFundMe seeking to raise \u00a310,000 for the Windsor Mini Mart nearby after it was trashed by looters.\n \n'Another shop next to us has had a window smashed, but nothing as deliberate as the Mini Mart, I don\u2019t think,' she said.\n \nMs\u00a0Tucker\u00a0hopes the fundraiser, which has raised more than \u00a32,000 of its \u00a310,000 target, will provide a sense of 'reassurance' for the family adding: 'We love having this diverse community and we\u2019re going to keep it that way. We do not condone any of (the riots), I think it\u2019s barbaric.\n \n'(Raising money) just seems like the right thing to do. They\u2019ve had an absolutely horrific experience, so I want to help them as much as I can.'\n \n\n \nAnother has been set up to \u2018rebuild or relocate\u2019 the Southport mosque, which was also attacked.\n \nOrganiser Phoenix Lawson, 20, said: 'It is the only mosque in Southport. It is the only place they can pray peacefully and it\u2019s just been destroyed unfortunately.\n \n'I was informed that three panels of the window of the mosque was destroyed and smashed in, and also the brick wall outside was completely demolished.\n \n'It\u2019s a very unsafe environment for a lot of Muslims now. Friday prayer is two days away and there\u2019s been a massive raid outside the mosque. I don\u2019t think they\u2019re going to want to go there as of now.'\n \nShe added the stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday and the riots a day later has been a 'big shock' for the Southport community.\n \n'It\u2019s scary. Everything is quiet in Southport nothing really goes on here. You don\u2019t really care about nighttime or robberies but to have three murders and then massive riots to happen in space in two days is a big shock,' she said.","headline":"Fundraisers set up to support local business and mosque targeted by rioters","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21333303","datePublished":"2024-07-31T10:47:46+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T10:47:46+01:00","articleBody":"Shop owner Chanaka Balasuryla said rioters stole \u00a310,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol after smashing their way into his store.\n \n\u2018It was like a war scene last night,\u2019 he said.\n \nMr Balasuryla said he called 999 after spotting men trying to smash their way in, on the CCTV camera from his home five minutes away.\n \nHe said he was \u2018terrified\u2019 when he thought they would set fire to the premises because there is a woman and her daughter living in a flat above.\n \nMr Balasuryla added that local people had said they would defend his shop if necessary.\n \n\u2018It was terrifying last night,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I feel safe again because people are here to protect us.\u2019","headline":"Shopkeeper targeted by looters says Southport was like a \u2018war scene\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21333086","datePublished":"2024-07-31T10:27:25+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T10:27:26+01:00","articleBody":"Nigel Farage said \u2018it\u2019s perfectly reasonable to ask what is happening to law and order\u2019 in response to comments made by Brendan Cox.\n \nThe husband of murdered MP Jo Cox told BBC Radio 4\u2019s Today programme that the Reform UK leader \u2018whipped up\u2019 rioters in Southport in a social media video.\n \nMr Farage said: \u2018Absolutely disgraceful comment, nothing of the kind. I merely expressed a sense of sadness and concern that is being felt by absolutely everybody I know \u2013 what the hell is going on?\n \n\u2018It started off the week before in Kent, when a Lieutenant Colonel in full military uniform is stabbed in the street and I was told that Kent Police wanted to play the incident down. I got that on the highest level.\n \n\u2018So I think it\u2019s quite legitimate to ask questions as to what the hell is going on. And then of course we had Southend at the same time with machete gangs fighting in the streets\u2026 I think it\u2019s perfectly reasonable to ask what is happening to law and order in our country.\n \n\u2018And who are the perpetrators? Why? Very legitimate questions I was asking, and to conflate that with EDL or anybody else, frankly, it\u2019s desperate stuff.\u2019\n \nAsked about Mr Cox saying he is \u2018nothing better than Tommy Robinson in a suit\u2019, the Clacton MP added: \u2018The comment is beneath contempt.\u2019","headline":"Nigel Farage calls claims he \u2018whipped up\u2019 rioters \u2018absolutely disgraceful\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332990","datePublished":"2024-07-31T10:19:49+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T10:19:49+01:00","articleBody":"One rioter had to be helped away by his fellow agitators after being pelted in the head with a huge rock aimed at the police he was taunting.\n \nThe man, wearing a grey tracksuit, can be seen in a video posted to social media strutting towards officers holding shields and moving to wiggle his hips at them when the first missile smashes into the back of his head.\n \nHe barely makes it three steps away before another hits him between the legs, doubling him over as others move in to help.\n \n","headline":"Zero sympathy for rioter bricked in the head and privates","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332739","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:57:43+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:57:43+01:00","articleBody":"A hero nursery nurse who saved children from a similar attack involving a machete three decades ago has spoken of her 'heartbreak' over the tragedy in Southport.\n \nLisa Potts was severely injured after a knifeman went on the rampage following a teddy bear's picnic at St Luke's Primary School in Wolverhampton.\n \nThen 21, Lisa was among three adults who were injured along with three infant class pupils on July 8, 1996.\n \nShe almost had her arm severed trying to protect the children in her care and also suffered severe cuts to her head and back.\n \nThe youngsters themselves were just inches from tragedy - only saved by quick-thinking Lisa's decision to hide them under her long skirt.\n \n\n \nMum-of-two Lisa now 49, from Wolverhampton, said: \u2018It's absolutely heartbreaking to hear about this shocking incident.\n \n\u2018I'm lost for words that something like this can be happening.\n \n\u2018My heart is breaking and my thoughts go out to the families of the children who have gone, those left with life-changing injuries and to the whole Southport community.\n \n\u2018I can't express just how sad I am. In our situation all those years ago we were thankful that there were no deaths although there was much trauma to deal with in the aftermath.\n \n\u2018I was thinking only just recently that there had been no further tragedies like this involving a large children's group setting in the UK since what happened at St Luke's.\n \n\u2018It's deeply affected me today much more than I thought it would. I can't imagine what those poor parents and children witnessed at the scene. It's just so terrible.\u2019","headline":"Hero nursery nurse who survived similar attack 30 years ago \u2018heartbroken\u2019 by stabbings","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332525","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:36:41+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:36:42+01:00","articleBody":"Alice Aguiar\u2019s heartbroken parents are \u2018not speaking, only crying\u2019 after the knife attack in Southport, relatives have said.\n \nAunt Graca Freitas, whose brother David is Alice\u2019s father, said: \u2018We\u2019re constantly calling and David picks up. But he only cries, he doesn\u2019t talk. It\u2019s the same with his wife.\u2019\n \nAdmitting she still hadn\u2019t come to terms with what had happened, Graca told a local paper in her native Madeira where Alice\u2019s parents migrated to the UK from: \u2018I found out about the scale of the tragedy on Monday from the TV.\n \n\u2018But I only found out about Alice yesterday morning.\n \n\u2018I began to cry uncontrollably. I\u2019m in agony. I have grandchildren and I watched her grow up.\u2019\n \n","headline":"Heartbroken parents of Alice Aguiar \u2018not speaking, only crying\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332400","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:25:14+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:25:14+01:00","articleBody":"Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, has said Nigel Farage is \u2018nothing better than Tommy Robinson in a suit\u2019 after his comments about the Southport stabbings.\n \nIn a social media video, Mr Farage said: \u2018I obviously join everybody in my horror at what has happened. I know the Prime Minister went to lay flowers and was heckled, and it shows you how unhappy the public are with the state of law and order in our country.\n \n\u2018I have to say there are one or two questions. Was this guy being monitored by the security services? Some reports say he was, others less sure.\n \n\u2018The police say it\u2019s a non-terror incident, just as they said the stabbing of an Army Lieutenant Colonel in uniform on the streets of Kent the other day was a non-terror incident.\n \n\u2018I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. I don\u2019t know the answer to that, but I think it is a fair and legitimate question.\u2019\n \nReacting to the comments, Mr Cox told BBC Radio 4\u2019s Today programme: \u2018It\u2019s right out of the Trump playbook, and in my view it makes Nigel Farage nothing better than a Tommy Robinson in a suit.\n \n\u2018It is beyond the pale to use a moment like this to spread your narrative and to spread your hatred, and we saw the results on Southport\u2019s streets last night.\u2019\n \nHe added: \u2018The fact that Nigel Farage whipped up that crowd, whipped up that sentiment, I think should make us all reconsider in what basket we put him.\n \n\u2018For me, it puts him on the wrong side of the line, not a credible politician, but someone willing to use awful events and hatred and undermine the community, the communities in which we live.\u2019","headline":"Nigel Farage \u2018nothing better than Tommy Robinson in a suit\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332323","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:20:10+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:29:29+01:00","articleBody":"Dozens of local residents turned up outside Southport mosque with brushes and shovels to help with the clean-up operation on Wednesday morning.\n \nNorman Wallis, chief executive of Southport Pleasureland, who was helping at the junction of Sussex Road and St Luke\u2019s Road, said it was partly in response to a social media plea he put out after witnessing the violence on Tuesday evening.\n \nMr Wallis said: 'There are hundreds of people who have responded, and we\u2019ve ended up with lots of people down here today, all from the local community and helping with the fantastic clean-up.'\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nHe added: 'It\u2019s horrendous what those hooligans have done last night.\n \n'It was like a war scene. People from out of town just causing absolute mayhem.\n \n'People in hoods climbing up lampposts, throwing bricks, they set a police car on fire.\n \n'But none of those people were the people of Southport. The people of Southport are the ones here today cleaning the mess up.\n \n'Those people from out of town \u2013 they came in in buses and cars and had change of clothes. They just started to riot and do this.'","headline":"Locals left to clean up after 'hooligans' left town looking 'like a war zone'","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332229","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:11:18+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:11:18+01:00","articleBody":"Chris McGlade, Chairman of Merseyside Police Federation, said: \u2018Merseyside is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy. An incident that has left us all shocked as human beings. We are equally shocked as police officers.\n \n\u2018The very same courageous officers who are themselves trying to come to terms with what has happened in Southport this week came under a sustained and vicious attack last night.\n \n\u2018It is utterly disgusting that more than 50 police officers were injured. Brave colleagues have been left with fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion. I utterly condemn the actions of these mindless and violent thugs \u2013 and they will be brought to justice for their actions.\n \n\u2018The federation are supporting our injured colleagues at this horrific time and send them our best wishes \u2013 as I know the rest of the country will do.\n \n\u2018Police officers are not robots. We are mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands, wives and partners.\n \n\u2018We should be going home at the end of our shifts. Not to hospital.\u2019\n \n","headline":"Police officers should go home at the end of their shift \u2013 not to hospital, chair of Merseyside Police Feder","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332197","datePublished":"2024-07-31T09:07:25+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T09:07:25+01:00","articleBody":"Southport MP Patrick Hurley has said riots in the town last night occurred because of the \u2018propaganda and lies\u2019 spread on social media about the attacker\u2019s identity.\n \nHe told Times Radio: \u2018We\u2019d had all sorts of lies being spread and misinformation being spread about the alleged perpetrator and some people with the best of intentions then they tried to rebut this, they tried to argue back, but all that happens is you\u2019re just amplifying people\u2019s false messaging.\u2019\n \nMr Hurley added: \u2018This misinformation doesn\u2019t just exist on people\u2019s internet browsers and on people\u2019s phones. It has real world impact.\n \n\u2018And what happened is that the real world impact of that was that we then had hundreds of people descending on the town, descending on Southport from outside of the area, intent on causing trouble, either because they believe what they\u2019ve written, or because they are bad faith actors who wrote it in the first place, in the hope of causing community division.\u2019\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/paddyhurst\/status\/1818304461665611880\n\n \nThe MP said a similar \u2018swirling morass\u2019 of online \u2018lies and propaganda\u2019 is behind the heckling of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.\n \n\u2018There\u2019s not a single thing that the Prime Minister has done in the last three-and-a-half weeks he\u2019s been in the role that has led to the stabbings that we saw on Monday,\u2019 he said.\n \n\u2018There\u2019s not a single thing that anybody that is in a position of authority has done that could justify being called liars and traitors and all of this nonsense that these people are hurling around on social media.\n \n\u2018This is a swirling morass on social media of lies and propaganda and people being given the opportunity and given the platform to say the most vile things in the most vile of circumstances.\u2019","headline":"Southport MP says \u2018propaganda and lies\u2019 on social media behind riots","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21332012","datePublished":"2024-07-31T08:46:03+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:46:03+01:00","articleBody":"Merseyside\u2019s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has said there is a 'strong feeling' that members of the English Defence League have used the Southport stabbing to 'whip up hatred'.\n \nMs Spurrell told ITV\u2019s Good Morning Britain that the 'violence and abuse' towards police officers on Tuesday was 'utterly abhorrent and completely unacceptable'.\n \n\n \n\n \nShe said: '(Merseyside Police) will be reviewing the footage of exactly who was there last night, they have been monitoring the online activity as well, trying to understand who was doing what.\n \n'They have said that they believe it was members of the English Defence League (EDL), they don\u2019t believe it was individuals from the local area.\n \n'There is a strong feeling that there are individuals like the EDL, who have been using this incredibly tragic event to whip up hatred, incite violence, and that\u2019s the result of what we saw last night.\n \n'There is a strong sense that this is people who have come from out-of-area simply to create violence and abuse against officers and towards a community who are not in any way accepting of this behaviour.'","headline":"EDL used Southport tragedy to 'whip up hatred', police chief says","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21331940","datePublished":"2024-07-31T08:39:06+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:40:22+01:00","articleBody":"The mum of one of the three girls knifed to death has pleaded with rioters to \u2018stop the violence\u2019 in Southport.\n \nJenni Stancombe, whose seven-year-old daughter Elsie Dot Stancombe was killed in Monday\u2019s attack, said \u2018the police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours\u2019 after more than 50 officers were hurt when bricks and bottles were hurled at them by a mob of far-right agitators.\n \nIn a post widely shared on social media, she said: \u2018This is the only thing that I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.\u2019\n \nShe went on: \u2018The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don't need this.\u2019\n \nMerseyside Police said eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.\n \nChairman of Merseyside Police Federation Chris McGlade said: \u2018The very same courageous officers who are themselves trying to come to terms with what has happened in Southport this week came under a sustained and vicious attack last night.\u2019\n \nChief Constable Serena Kennedy said the officers injured in Tuesday\u2019s protests will \u2018now be unavailable for duty in what is an incredibly busy time for the force\u2019.","headline":"Victim's mum pleads with rioters to 'stop the violence'","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21331346","datePublished":"2024-07-31T07:01:50+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T07:15:17+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nLocal residents have been left picking up the pieces after far right thugs turned the Southport vigil into mayhem. \n \nA large group had gathered outside a Mosque and damaged a local convenience store, while cars and wheelie bins were set alight, Merseyside Police said. \n \nThe ambulance service said 40 officers were injured in the violent disorder yesterday, and 27 of those were taken to hospital. \n \nEight suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion. \n \nPolice dogs Zoe and Ike sustained leg injuries, while a canine named PD Quga, who was bitten, strangled and kicked by an offender a month ago, suffered burns to her back leg yesterday. \n \nThe area was placed under enhanced stop and search powers following the clashes to minimise further violence, running until 7.45pm today.","headline":"Violent clashes in Southport leave officers injured","author":{"name":"Noora Mykkanen"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330537","datePublished":"2024-07-30T22:41:34+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:46:16+01:00","articleBody":"\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n","headline":"In pictures: Riot police clash with far-right in Southport","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330355","datePublished":"2024-07-30T22:12:10+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T22:12:10+01:00","articleBody":"Home secretary Yvette Cooper has responded to tonight's violence and said it was 'appalling' that police officers in Southport faced attacks from 'thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community'.\n \nThe Home Secretary told broadcasters: 'I think everyone should be showing some respect for the community that is grieving and also for the police who are pursuing an urgent criminal investigation now, and who showed such heroism and bravery yesterday in the face of these horrific attacks.\n \n'I think everyone needs to support the police in that work, and frankly the scenes of thuggery that we have seen on the streets of Southport this evening bear no relation to the way in which the Southport community has been coming together to support each other and to support grieving families.\n \n'We need to see some respect for the grieving community and for the police in their urgent work.'\n \n'It\u2019s a total disgrace', she added.","headline":"Yvette Cooper condemns 'violent thuggery' in Southport","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330317","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:57:10+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:57:11+01:00","articleBody":"The situation outside the mosque appeared to have calmed down as dark descended, with numbers on the street having thinned.\n \nTwo more fires, which appear to be wheelie bins, had been set alight.\n \nOne man shouted at the police line: 'Why didn't you get the riot squad out in Leeds?'","headline":"Situation appears to be calming down","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330296","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:50:49+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:50:49+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nMeanwhile, local residents on the ground have reacted with horror to tonight's outburst of violence in the aftermath and condemend those responsible for disrupting the otherwise peaceful vigil.\n \nMarie-Anne Kent, a Methodist minister at nearby St Philip and St Paul, told the Guardian's Josh Halliday: 'This is not Southport. This is not Southport.'\n \nShe added: 'We knew the far right were making the most of dividing the community when the community is striving hard to come together to get over the terrible thing that happened yesterday.\n \n'This has nothing to do with our Muslim brothers and sisters\u2026 We are a community that\u2019s here to support those we love and unity and certainly not to bring division at a time like this.'","headline":"Local residents react with horror to tonight's violence","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330264","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:38:55+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:38:56+01:00","articleBody":"Southport MP has also urged residents to 'stay safe' and says he is 'deeply concerned' by the ongoing violence in the area this evening.\n \nIn a statement on Twitter, Patrick Hurley thanked the community for attending a vigil in memory of the stabbing victims, and said he 'fully condemned' tonight's outburst of violence.\n \n'It's distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people,' the MP said.\u00a0\n \n'I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job. I want to thank our community for pulling together and supporting every person who has been affected by Monday's tragic attack.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/patrick_hurley\/status\/1818380319835165076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818380319835165076%7Ctwgr%5Ee51303a5885289e0ef1e9e1ae72b4185f1d6b66b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.sky.com%2Fstory%2Fsouthport-stabbing-latest-number-of-casualties-after-reports-of-stabbing-13186819","headline":"Southport's MP condemns violence from people 'outside of the community'","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330224","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:30:51+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:30:52+01:00","articleBody":"Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy posted on X: 'I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs.\n \n'Over 1000 residents from Southport came together this evening to remember the little girls who have died, those who are still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed & are traumatised by the events from yesterday. This is where all of our focus should be.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/merpolchiefcon\/status\/1818380377406554122","headline":"Merseyside Police Chief praises Riot Cops' response","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330176","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:21:32+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:21:32+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nRiot police have managed to clear the area directly outside the mosque after it was beseiged by far-right protesters.\n \nBaton-wielding officers are standing guard outside the mosque while a burning police van billows black smoke into the air behind them.\n \nCrowds have reportedly began to disperse, although masked youths continue to hurl projectiles at the officers in attendance.","headline":"Riot police secure area around Southport mosque","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330152","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:16:34+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:17:31+01:00","articleBody":"Police in Southport have arrested a man and seized a flick knife amidst the violence this evening.\n \nNo one was injured during the arrest and the 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, and taken into custody.\n \nDetective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: 'We know too well the devastating impact knife crime can have for victims, their families and friends, and those who carry them.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/JoshHalliday\/status\/1818371885534789946\n\n \n'This week has seen an unspeakable tragedy unfold in Southport, and this incident occurred a short distance from where a vigil had been happening where the community was paying their respects to all those affected.\n \n'Officers made a swift arrest and have seized a knife that could have been used to cause harm in our communities.\n \n'Those offenders who carry them have no place whatsoever in our communities.'","headline":"Knife-wielding man arrested in Southport","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21330087","datePublished":"2024-07-30T21:02:48+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:41:09+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nMerseyside Police have released a statement in response to the surge of violence in Southport tonight, which they have blamed on far-right supporters of the English Defence League.\n \nThe violence appears to be linked to misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murders.\n \nAt around 7.45pm, a large group of people \u2013 believed to be supporters of the English Defence League \u2013 began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke\u2019s Road in Southport.\n \nOfficers deployed to the scene were met with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.\n \nAs a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight.\n \n\n \nAssistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: 'It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.\n \n'In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.\n \n'Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavor to prevent disorder.\n \n'The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.\n \n\n \n'There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.\n \n'We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.\n \n'Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behavior.'","headline":"Merseyside Police confirm far-right English Defence League responsible for violence","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329989","datePublished":"2024-07-30T20:49:26+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T21:13:13+01:00","articleBody":"Riot police have charged the crowds outside the mosque with a police van now set on fire as disorder continues, PA reports.\n \nProtesters have been throwing bricks, flares and other projectiles at police officers while chanting far-right slogans, and a police officer has had their nose broken in the chaos according to reporters on the scene.\n \n\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/JoshHalliday\/status\/1818370473098723455","headline":"Police van set on fire","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329961","datePublished":"2024-07-30T20:35:05+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:37:12+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nPolice officers have suffered some minor injuries as a chaotic protest held outside a mosque in Southport gets underway.\n \nA large crowd of people, some wearing masks and hoodies have gathered as tensions run high following the knife attack.\n \nPolice riot vans and officers are standing guard outside the building, amid chants of 'no surrender' and 'English till I die' as well as far-right slogans from sections of the crowd.\n \nHundreds of youths and men and a large police presence remain on the streets surrounding Hart Street, where the attack took place.\n \nOfficers have now put on helmets and riot gear, with stones and bottles launched at them and police riot vans attacked.\n \nFirecrackers could be heard going off along with multiple police sirens sounding.\n \nOfficers with riot shields are in a stand-off with protesters, with some walking through crowds with police dogs towards lines of officers who are stood in front of police vans.\n \nDebris can be seen on the ground around the vans while police have been using their shields to deflect missiles thrown from the crowds.\n \nA police helicopter is now also hovering over the area.","headline":"Disorder outside Southport mosque","author":{"name":"katie-boyden"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329869","datePublished":"2024-07-30T20:04:56+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T20:04:56+01:00","articleBody":"The MP for Sefton Central paid tribute to the children killed in the Southport stabbing attack.\n \nSpeaking in the Commons, Bill Esterson said: 'This is about Bebe, it is about Elsie and it is about Alice.\n \n'It's about three young children who were murdered and the Prime Minister talked about a collective trauma for the people of Merseyside, and I think that is exactly what is going on - my constituents are reflecting it, as are the people in Southport.\n \n'Can I then pass on the thanks of my constituents to the emergency services for their response - the fact that they are back at work today? As the Home Secretary said, and shadow home secretary said, to those local people who intervened as well?'\n \nSefton Central neighbours the Southport constituency, which is represented by Patrick Hurley, who MPs heard is spending Tuesday evening at a vigil for the victims.\n \nMr Esterson praised the 'overwhelming sense of love and support' seen at the vigil, in messages and in floral tributes from across the country, adding: 'That is the appropriate way to support those victims and their grieving loved ones this evening.'\n \nMeanwhile, Democratic Union MP Jim Shannon fought back tears as he urged the home secretary to consider how she could achieve parents\u2019 goals of improving their children\u2019s safety.\n \nAdressing the Commons, Mr Shannon said: 'I think the message is clear for all those families \u2013 we grieve with you, our hearts ache with you and all of us in this great nation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will have all of those families in our prayers.\n \n'I think parents and mums and dads want to know that their children are safe, so does the home secretary agree that this must be the goal, and perhaps she can outline just how that can be achieved?'\n \nYvette Cooper responded: 'I think all of us will share the emotion that [Shannon] has and I think when everyone thinks as a parent, as a grandparent, as an aunt or uncle, think of little children being affected in this way and just how devastating all of this is, I think it makes every parent want to hug their children a little closer when we see just something as truly appalling as this happen.'","headline":"MPs fight back tears as they pay tribute in Commons","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329759","datePublished":"2024-07-30T19:38:17+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T19:38:17+01:00","articleBody":"The Portuguese prime minister is the latest to send his condolences to the victims of the attack, and the first foreign leader to comment on the stabbing.\u00a0\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/LMontenegropm\/status\/1818253060637950463\n\n \nLuis Montenegro said in a statement on Twitter, 'It was with deep sadness that I received the news on the attack that yesterday took place in Southport in the United Kingdom, and for which I have no words to describe.\n \n'On my behalf and on that of the Portuguese government and people I express heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the British government and people.'\n \nOne of the victims, nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, was a Portuguese national. ","headline":"Portugese PM pays tribute to victims","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329526","datePublished":"2024-07-30T18:50:11+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T18:50:11+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nHome secretary Yvette Cooper has said the entire country is 'united in shock and grief' as she addresses parliament this evening. \n \nCooper says she spoke to first responders who responded with heroism and professionalism, and told her 'nothing can prepare you for an attack on small children.'\n \nShe says wants to recognise the toll this can take on emergency workers.\u00a0\n \n'Those emergency workers were back at work yesterday,' she told the House of Commons. 'They live locally and some of them have been to the dance centre in the past with their own children or relatives.\u00a0\n \n'But they wanted to be out in their own community, continuing to serve and support the people of Southport - that is public service at its very best.'\n \nShe says the words of one paramedic have stayed with her.\n \n'He said that while facing the worst of times, he could also see around him in his colleagues and passerbys who were working together to save lives, the very best of humanity and that is what we keep in our hearts as we think of Southport.'\n \nThe Home Secretary also gave her 'sincere thanks' to NHS workers for tending to victims, and said an 'extremely serious criminal investigation' is now underway.","headline":"Yvette Cooper praises first responders to tragedy and NHS workers in parliament","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329321","datePublished":"2024-07-30T18:16:13+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:37:04+01:00","articleBody":"Over in Southport, a vigil is currently taking place outside the town hall to remember the victims of the attack and show support to all those impacted by the tragedy.\n \nVirtually the whole town is in attendance, with Mayor June Burns telling the crowd she 'can't believe how many hundreds of people' have come to pay their respects.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/KatieLivEcho\/status\/1818329766207877603\n\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/GlobalGotting\/status\/1818332466144305646\n\n \nThe mayor said she couldn't help but cry when she visited an impromptu memorial set up outside the police cordon.\n \n'It\u2019s hard to find the correct words to say at such a dreadful, horrendous time', she told the crowd. 'When I went over to lay some flowers - it hits you, it gets you, you can\u2019t help but cry.\n \n'The outpouring of grief. The fact that we\u2019re having to go lay flowers because some children wanted to go dance at the beginning of their school holidays. It\u2019s unbelievable.'\n \nA minute's silence was held for the victims, followed by the laying of flowers and wreaths.","headline":"Vigil held in Southport for stabbing victims","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329245","datePublished":"2024-07-30T18:07:07+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T18:07:08+01:00","articleBody":"The head of the school trust attended by two of the Southport stabbing victims said the girls 'will be in our hearts forever'.\n \nEndeavour Learning Trust chief executive David Clayton said 'no words can do justice to what has happened here in Southport', as he paid tribute to Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.\n \nThe trust contains Churchtown Primary School in Southport, which nine-year-old Alice and six-year-old Bebe had both attended.\n \nChurchtown Primary headteacher Jinnie Payne said the school had heard the 'tragic news' with 'great sadness,' describing the stabbings as an 'atrocity'.\n \nIn a statement, Mr Clayton said: 'No words can do justice to what has happened here in Southport - and our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children.\n \n'No one should ever have to experience horror like this.\n \n'Our immediate focus now is on providing support to the community as we start to understand what has happened. The death of a child is always a desperate tragedy for a school, and particularly so under such circumstances.\n \n'We will come together as a community, offering each other support and care as we work through this difficult time.\n \n'Alice and Bebe will be in our hearts forever.'","headline":"Head of school says victims will 'be in our hearts forever'","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21329168","datePublished":"2024-07-30T17:56:39+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T17:56:39+01:00","articleBody":"A primary school in Southport has paid tribute to two of the children killed in yesterday's stabbing attack who attended the school.\n \nNine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar was a year four pupil at Churchtown Primary School, and six-year-old Bebe King was also a pupil.\u00a0\n \nIn a statement, the school said: 'Alice was the happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine. She was known and loved by everyone in our school community of 700 children, a testament to her unique ability to connect with others. \n \n'Alice's radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy.\n \n\n \nHer kindness, playful nature, and zest for trying new things will forever be remembered. Alice, you will always hold a special place in our hearts at Churchtown.'\n \nThe school also paid tribute to Bebe, who they described as a 'joyful girl.'\n \nThey continued: 'Each day, she would come into school ready to grasp every opportunity available to her and fun and laughter were never far away whenever Bebe was involved.\n \n\n \n'Her considerate nature meant that she had many friends and she always ensured all children felt included, whether that was through play or working together in the classroom.\u00a0\n \n'Bebe's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.Our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of both Alice and Bebe during this impossibly difficult time.'\u00a0","headline":"Primary school pays tribute to stabbing victims","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328994","datePublished":"2024-07-30T17:39:37+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T17:39:38+01:00","articleBody":"Downing Street has urged the public to avoid 'unhelpful' speculation about the motive or identity of the attacker and to let the police carry out their investigations, amid concerns that online misinformation could inflame community tensions.\n \nThe unnamed 17-year-old suspect is from Wales, Merseyside Police has said, but false claims that he was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat have spread online.\n \nThe force is now understood to be monitoring a potential far-right rally in the area.\n \nAsked whether the Prime Minister would appeal for calm if such an event were being planned, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'Of course, people should listen the police, they should not do anything that is going to make the police's job harder to manage the situation, to conduct their investigations.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/sundersays\/status\/1818049636793299041\n\n \n'It is unhelpful to speculate on things like the motive and the circumstance around this.'\n \nPolice said a name shared on social media in connection with the suspect is 'incorrect', adding: 'We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.'\n \nSir Keir visited the seaside town on Tuesday and thanked emergency service workers, telling them: 'I hope you feel proud of the part that you played in the most difficult circumstances, to do what you could for those young lives.'\n \nHe laid down his wreath and stood momentarily in silence, but more than one person shouted: 'How many more Starmer? When are you going to do something?'\n \nA third man shouted 'get the truth out!' while the Chief Constable was asked why the alleged attacker had not been named, and if he was on a 'watch list'.\n \nPolice have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.","headline":"Downing Street urges public to avoid 'unhelpful' speculation about attackers identity","author":{"name":"Tom Sanders"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328659","datePublished":"2024-07-30T16:57:14+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:57:15+01:00","articleBody":"Joel Verite was on his lunch break when he came across the attack as it was unfolding.\n \nSpeaking to Sky News, he said: \u2018We were just listening to music in our world, then he [his colleague] slammed on the brakes and all I can see from my side is a girl hanging from the side of her car.\n \n\u2018I jumped out the car and I just asked her if she was alright. She just looked in complete shock and had blood all over her body.\n \n\u2018She just screamed at me: \u201cHe's killing kids over there, he's killing kids over there\u201d.\u2019\n \n\n \nWhen he got to the car park, he said there was another woman in a car with \u2018four or five\u2019 wounded children in the back.\n \n\u2018It was like a scene from a disaster film,\u2019 he said. \u2018The woman just looked at me and said: \u201cI just want to make sure these kids are safe\u201d.\u2019\n \nMr Verite described being confronted by the attacker inside and then smashing a door to try and prevent him fleeing.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/SkyNews\/status\/1818312044531057078\n\n \nAsked how he feels in the aftermath, he said: \u2018I'm a new dad and that was one of the hardest things for me - seeing these children in that position.\n \n\u2018These children weren't crying - they were absolutely terrified - if that makes sense.\n \n\u2018Their parents turn up in absolute hysterics and they scream and cry that they want to go into the building, but they're not allowed to because it's a crime scene.\n \n\u2018They ask me questions wanting to know information. It's heartbreaking.\u2019","headline":"Hero window cleaner says \u2018it was like a scene from a disaster film\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328592","datePublished":"2024-07-30T16:46:05+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:46:10+01:00","articleBody":"Liverpool FC has published a tribute to the victims involved in the Southport attack.\n \nIt said former Reds players Robbie Fowler and Phil Thompson laid a wreath near Hart Space studio to express the support and condolences of the club.\n \nIt added in a statement: 'Three young girls have died, and five children and two adults remain in critical condition as a result of the attack at a dance class.\n \n'The thoughts and prayers of everyone at LFC continue to be with all those affected by the tragedy.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/LFC\/status\/1818307738033926633","headline":"Liverpool FC pays tribute to the victims","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328333","datePublished":"2024-07-30T16:22:06+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:22:06+01:00","articleBody":"Two of the victims involved in the Southport attack are in a critical but stable condition, a hospital has said.\n \nAlder Hey hospital, a specialist children's hospital in Liverpool, said seven children were admitted yesterday.\n \nIn a statement issued this afternoon, it said one of their patients have died while two remain in a critical but stable condition.\n \nIt said: 'We can confirm that seven children were brought to Alder Hey following the heartbreaking incident in Southport yesterday. Sadly, despite all our efforts one child has since died. The remaining children are continuing to receive treatment with two remaining in critical care but currently in a stable condition.\n \n'The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Alder Hey remain with the children, young people and their families involved in and all those affected by yesterday\u2019s incident. We will continue to provide them with all the support we can at this devastating time.'","headline":"Two victims are critical but stable, hospital says","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328302","datePublished":"2024-07-30T16:17:12+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:18:18+01:00","articleBody":"Flowers have been left at the scene in Southport by Everton FC stars Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin.\n \nFootage posted by a reporter at the Liverpool Echo showed the former players arriving with the tributes and placing them on the ground with the other flowers, before holding a few minutes' silence.\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/LiamThorpECHO\/status\/1818290110166904952","headline":"Everton stars Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin leave tributes","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328300","datePublished":"2024-07-30T16:16:15+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:36:41+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nSir Keir Starmer has placed his own floral tribute among hundreds of others at the police cordon on Hart Street, Southport.\n \nThe brief visit, lasting barely two minutes, was marred by hostile shouts from some watching members of the public.\n \nThe Prime Minister, visiting the scene after speaking to media earlier, laid a wreath of pink and white flowers watched by dozens of members of the public, and tens more TV crews, reporters and photographers.\n \nOn his wreath left among the other floral tributes, a handwritten note, signed by the PM, read: 'To the victims, families and people of Southport, our hearts are broken, there are no words for such profound loss. The nation\u2019s thoughts are with you.'\n \nAs Sir Keir walked close by, a man said: 'Here\u2019s your photo opportunity.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/paddyhurst\/status\/1818304461665611880\n\n \n\n \n\n \nWhile his car was pulling off, another shouted: 'How many more children? Our kids are dead and you\u2019re leaving already?'\n \nA third man shouted 'get the truth out!' while the Chief Constable was asked why the alleged attacker had not been named, and if he was on a 'watch list'.\n \nMerseyside Police have issued a warning after an 'incorrect' name for the alleged Southport attacker was widely circulated online.\n \nAsked earlier about his 'mission' to crack down on knife crime, Sir Keir said: \u201cI am very worried about high levels of knife crime and I\u2019m absolutely determined that my Government will get to grips with it.\n \n'But today is not the time for politics. Today is the time to focus entirely on the families who are going through such pain and grief, and on the wider community, and, of course, a time to say thank you to those that responded yesterday, in the most awful of circumstances.'","headline":"Sir Keir Starmer lays flowers at the scene","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328087","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:51:10+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T15:51:10+01:00","articleBody":"Parents in Southport have been left \u2018terrified\u2019 of sending their children to holiday clubs, a children\u2019s entertainer from Southport has claimed.\n \nSpeaking to the Telegraph, Richard Townes said: \u2018This is supposed to be the start of the summer holidays and parents in WhatsApp groups are now terrified of sending their children to summer clubs.\n \n\u2018I have a five-year-old daughter who could have just as easily been at the class. I feel helpless and like I can\u2019t do anything.\u2019","headline":"Parents now \u2018terrified\u2019 of sending children to holiday clubs","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21328086","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:50:50+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T15:58:28+01:00","articleBody":"Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shook the hands of firefighters and ambulance staff during a visit to Southport police station.\n \nGiving them his personal thanks, he said: 'I know you would go and face any situation that was put in front of you, you do it every day.\n \n'But there\u2019s no pretending that what you dealt with yesterday was ordinary or just a usual response. It was really, really difficult. \n \n\n \n'I just wanted to say a personal thank you to each of you, that\u2019s why I wanted to shake each of your hands, for what you did yesterday.\n \n'I\u2019m incredibly proud of what you did. I\u2019m amazed, but not surprised, that you\u2019re in today, carrying on with your duties.\n \n'I really want you to focus on the fact that there are children today alive because of what you did yesterday. That is incredible. It\u2019s what you do every day but it\u2019s the most difficult of circumstances.\n \n'I don\u2019t want you to think for a minute the rest of the country has not seen that.'","headline":"Prime Minister arrives in Southport","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327974","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:40:02+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T15:40:02+01:00","articleBody":"A fundraiser set up for one of the youngsters killed in the Southport attack has more than doubled its goal just two hours after being set up.\n \nWorkers at Benridge Care Homes and Good Companions published a fundraiser in aid of the family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who died in the early hours of this morning.\n \nIts goal was to raise \u00a31,000 but nearly \u00a33,000 has been raised this afternoon.\n \nAccording to the fundraiser, Alice's mother, Alex, works at the care home group, based in Southport.\n \nIt said in a post: 'We at Benridge Care Homes and Good Companions, have been completely stunned by the tragic loss of Alice, following the horrific events that took place in Southport yesterday. We can't even begin to imagine how the family feel.\n \n'Alice is the daughter of one of our team here & she has been a part of the Good Companions family since she was a baby, joining in with many of our activities & events with our families & staff.\n \n'Benridge Care Group would like to help support the family, so we kindly request donations towards costs that the family will be faced with.\n \n'Any help is much appreciated. Prayers and Love.\n \n'All funds raised will go directly to Alex and her family to help support them in any way that they need it, at this time.'","headline":"Fundraiser set up for one of the victims beats target in two hours","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327811","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:26:14+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T16:37:07+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nThe families of two of the girls who died after an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class have paid tribute to them.\n \nThe family of six-year-old Bebe King\u2019s said: 'No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.'\n \nThe family of nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar added: '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.'","headline":"Families pay tribute to the young girls who died","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327760","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:23:08+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:39:44+01:00","articleBody":"The two other young girls who were killed in the attack in Southport yesterday have been named by police.\n \nBebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died in the attack, Merseyside Police have said.\n \nDetectives at the force also confirmed the name of nine-year-old Alice.\n \n\n \nIn a statement, they said: 'Merseyside Police can confirm the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in Southport on Monday (29 July).\n \n'They are Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.\n \n'Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.'\n \n","headline":"Two other victims named by police","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327597","datePublished":"2024-07-30T15:05:55+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T15:05:55+01:00","articleBody":"\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n","headline":"More tributes at the scene this afternoon","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327417","datePublished":"2024-07-30T14:49:18+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T14:49:18+01:00","articleBody":"A window cleaner who helped detain the knifeman has been branded a \u2018true hero\u2019 by colleagues.\n \nSix-foot personal trainer Joel Verite, 25, reportedly rushed to the dance studio after seeing a woman on the floor as he drove past.\n \nDanny Noble, co-owner of the Level Up Gym where Mr Verite works, told the Mirror: \u2018He\u2019s gone over to her. She said forget about me, there\u2019s a fella stabbing kids in there.\n \n\n \n\n \n\u2018He went in, and the fella was in there with a knife or whatever he had. It was just Joel and just one other police officer.\n \n\u2018Another police officer turned up and the three of them went in and tackled him to the ground. Apparently one of the police officers Tasered the man and then they just all jumped on him.\u2019\n \nColleague Kyle Shaw told the newspaper his workmate has been a \u2018true hero\u2019 who showed \u2018nothing but fearlessness\u2019 when confronted with the split-second decision.","headline":"\u2018Forget about me, there\u2019s a fella stabbing kids in there\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327330","datePublished":"2024-07-30T14:39:53+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T14:39:53+01:00","articleBody":"A vigil will be held in Southport on Tuesday evening.\n \nSefton Council said it was supporting the event, which will be held outside the Atkinson arts venue on Lord Street at 6pm.\n \nCouncillor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: 'It is entirely understandable and appropriate that local people want to gather and show their support and solidarity.\n \n'Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this incredibly sad time.'\n \nA book of remembrance is available for people to sign at the Atkinson, in Southport, and one is being set up at Bootle Town Hall, a council spokesman said.","headline":"Vigil to be held in Southport this evening","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327149","datePublished":"2024-07-30T14:18:17+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T14:55:46+01:00","articleBody":"A fundraiser set up by Taylor Swift fans to support the families and victims of the Southport attack has already raised more than \u00a3100,000.\n \nCristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire and Holly Goldring from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, started the JustGiving page to ease the 'financial burden' on the families involved.\n \n\u2018What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,\u2019 Ms Jones said.\n \n'It feels really nice we\u2019ve done something really positive.\n \n\n \n'I firmly believe there\u2019s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they\u2019re going through right now, but if we\u2019ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it\u2019s nice to know that we\u2019ve done what we can do.'\n \nMs Jones added she is 'thinking of them and we\u2019re praying for them' and confirmed all proceeds will go directly to Alder Hey Children\u2019s Charity, in honour of the hospital where the victims are being treated.\n \n'We just couldn\u2019t sit back and allow more stress onto two families that are going through the worst possible thing you could go through,' she explained.\n \n'We have no intentions of reaching out to the families ourselves \u2013 it will be Alder Hey who will help in terms of the family getting money, we will keep a respectable distance.'\n \n\n \nMeanwhile, Ms Goldring, 27, said it is 'within Swifties nature to care and love and support each other'.\n \nThe sales manager hopes the fundraiser can offer the family 'an ounce of comfort' through the 'utter turmoil' of losing their children to Monday\u2019s knife attack.\n \n'The last thing a family should be worrying about is the how they\u2019re doing to pay for the funeral of their little girl,' Ms Goldring said. 'It\u2019s giving the families that relief in a time of complete and utter turmoil. It\u2019s their living nightmare and just knowing they have an entire community standing behind them.\n \n'We are just sending all of our love, and we are so incredibly sorry for what has happened.\n \n'Nothing can change what happened (on Monday), but we just hope that this provides even an ounce of comfort.'","headline":"Fundraiser set up by Swifties to support Southport attack victims hits \u00a3100,000","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21327004","datePublished":"2024-07-30T14:00:55+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T14:00:56+01:00","articleBody":"The parents of a nine-year-old girl who died after an attack in Southport are said to be in a 'state of shock'.\n \nJose Cesario, the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, told a Portuguese TV station this afternoon that a nine-year-old girl, named locally as Alice, had been killed.\n \nHe said: 'She was one of the victims of this awful crime.\n \n'The family lives in Southport. The parents are in a state of shock. We are going to continue to give them the support they need, we are in direct contact with an aunt of the young girl.\n \n'The priority is to give them all the moral support they need and afterwards things depend on the family and where they want to hold the funeral.'","headline":"'Parents are in a state of shock'","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326878","datePublished":"2024-07-30T13:48:11+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T13:48:12+01:00","articleBody":"Friends and family have paid tribute Alice after she died in the Southport attacks yesterday.\n \nRelative Carina Aguiar, a hotel worker who lives in Camara de Lobos in Madeira,\u00a0posted of a black ribbon on her Facebook alongside Alice\u2019s name after writing in an emotional tribute: 'Princess Alice.\n \n'In this moment of great pain my soul hurts, my body hurts, my mind hurts. I have a lump in my throat.\n \n'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.\n \n'Look after your mum and dad who are suffering, who are desolate and broken. Fly high our little star. I love you.'\n \n\n \nAlice\u2019s mum Alexandra is understood to hail originally from Caracas in Venezuela and while her dad David is from Madeira.\n \nFriend Claudia Trindade responded by saying: \u201cHave strength. Let my dear God console the hearts of her parents.'\n \nMagda Fernandes said: 'I have no words. My condolences to the whole family. Lots of strength at this difficult hour. '\n \nLiliana Soares wrote: 'What a huge tragedy. My pretty and innocent angel. Such tremendous pain. My sincerest condolences Carina to the whole family.'\n \nAnother family friend, Henrique Drummond, wrote on social media in a direct message to Alice\u2019s parents: 'David Aguiar, Alexandra Aguiar. Life is so cruel that an animal takes the life of children, especially our Alice. Lots of strength in these extremely difficult moments.'","headline":"Tributes paid to Alice Aguiar","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326854","datePublished":"2024-07-30T13:44:42+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T15:38:31+01:00","articleBody":"One of the victims of the Southport stabbings has been named locally as nine-year-old Alice Aguiar.\n \nThe Portuguese girl was at the Taylor Swift-themed summer dance camp when she was attacked.\n \nShe was taken to hospital but she died in the early hours of this morning, Merseyside Police said. \n \nTwo girls aged six and seven were also killed in the attack just before midday yesterday.\n \n","headline":"Nine-old-girl named locally as Alice Aguiar\u00a0","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326647","datePublished":"2024-07-30T13:15:17+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T13:15:17+01:00","articleBody":"Event organisers Leanne Lucas and Heidi Barlow, both 35, are reported to have saved a number of children from the hooded attacker.\n \n\n \n\n \nYoga teacher Leanne is understood to be one of the adults now in a critical condition after \u2018bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked\u2019.\n \nShe is thought to have led some of the youngsters to safety through a fire exit, The Sun reports.\n \nPauline Bennett, 64, told MailOnline: \u2018She's only tiny, she wouldn't have stood a chance against a man with a knife, but she just wanted to protect those children.\n \n\u2018I can't imagine what she would have been thinking when he came through the door. It all happened so quickly, she just did what she could.\u2019\n \nDance teacher Heidi reportedly escaped unharmed after locking some of the children in a toilet to keep them safe.","headline":"Hero teachers locked children in toilets to save them from knife attack","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326324","datePublished":"2024-07-30T12:39:43+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T12:39:43+01:00","articleBody":"A name of an alleged suspect in the Southport attack which has been posted online is incorrect, Merseyside Police has said.\n \nIn an updated statement this morning, detectives said a name being shared on social media 'in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport' is incorrect.\n \nThey have urged people not to repost it.\n \nDue to legal reasons, the 17-year-old has not been named by police.\n \nA statement from Merseyside Police said: 'A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport.\n \n'This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.'\n \nThe force added: 'This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.'\n \nHome Secretary Yvette Cooper has meanwhile warned against 'speculating or commenting' on the criminal investigation.\n \nShe said: 'Merseyside Police are leading this extremely important and serious criminal investigation.\n \n'This was a horrific attack and they need to be able to get on with that work, and they will provide us with updates.\n \n'You\u2019ll understand that others should not be speculating or commenting in advance of those updates and we really welcome the work of Merseyside Police, but it\u2019s also important that they pursue every single angle of inquiry.'","headline":"Police say name of alleged suspect circulating online is 'incorrect'","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326246","datePublished":"2024-07-30T12:30:26+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T12:58:11+01:00","articleBody":"Several fundraisers have been set up to support the families of those killed and wounded in the appalling knife attack in Southport.\n \nOne collecting donations for Alder Hey Children's Charity, which raises funds for Alder Hey Children's Hospital where some of the victims of the attack are being treated, has passed \u00a375,000.\n \nCristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, who started the JustGiving page said: 'What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now.\n \n'It feels really nice we\u2019ve done something really positive.\n \n'I firmly believe there\u2019s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they\u2019re going through right now, but if we\u2019ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it\u2019s nice to know that we\u2019ve done what we can do.'\n \nMs Jones said it was 'really lovely' to see US singer Swift share a statement on Instagram paying tribute to the victims, adding: 'She\u2019s bringing it to attention and letting the families know she\u2019s well aware and is thinking of them.'\n \nOther fundraisers can be found on the GoFundMe website.","headline":"How to support the \u2018Southport Swifties\u2019 killed and injured in knife attack","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326043","datePublished":"2024-07-30T12:06:45+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T12:10:13+01:00","articleBody":"A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after the Southport stabbings, Merseyside Police said.\n \nA police statement said: 'Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday July 29.\n \n'The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July. We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.\n \n'Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.\n \n'Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.\n \n'Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.\n \n'Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks and he remains in police custody.'","headline":"Nine-year-old girl becomes third person to die in attack","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326025","datePublished":"2024-07-30T12:03:31+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T16:07:41+01:00","articleBody":"\n \nHome Secretary Yvette Cooper has paid tribute to the 'great bravery' of the emergency services who responded to the stabbing in Hart Street and the 'loved ones that have been lost'.\n \nSpeaking to reporters in Southport, Ms Cooper said: 'I think it\u2019s just unimaginable what has happened \u2013 this devastating horrific attack \u2013 and I think all of our thoughts will be with the families who have been affected, loved ones that have been lost and the children that have been injured and it\u2019s really important that they get all the support that they need.\n \n'I have been meeting with some of the first responders, the emergency services, police, fire service and paramedics who were there yesterday and who had to respond with great bravery to make sure that more lives were not lost and I thank them for the work that they did.\n \n'There is also a serious criminal investigation underway now.\n \n'Everyone\u2019s thoughts will be with those injured children and just praying for them.'\n \n","headline":"Home Secretary pays tribute to emergency workers' 'great bravery' responding to 'unimaginable' attack","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21326008","datePublished":"2024-07-30T12:00:45+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T12:00:45+01:00","articleBody":"Colin\u00a0Parry, the owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, which is stationed 50 metres or so from the dance studio, told the Guardian newspaper he saw a young man wearing a black hooded top and a face mask get out of a taxi outside and refuse to pay his fare.\n \nRecalling his heated exchange with the youth, Mr Parry said: \u2018He came down our driveway in a taxi and didn\u2019t pay for the taxi, so I confronted him at that point. He was quite aggressive \u2013 he said \u201cWhat are you gonna do about it?\u201d\u2019\n \nHe said the taxi passenger then walked out of the driveway of his business.\n \nMr Parry described going back to carry on working on a vehicle before a colleague phoned him moments later urging him to \u2018get out here\u2019.\n \nHe went on: \u2018I went out and there\u2019s two or three kids just lying on the floor. I mean, it\u2019s a frenzied attack. It\u2019s not one stab. He\u2019s gone crazy, the lad\u2019s gone crazy.\u2019","headline":"\u2018He\u2019s gone crazy. The lad\u2019s gone crazy\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325996","datePublished":"2024-07-30T11:58:40+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T11:58:40+01:00","articleBody":"Witnesses told the Daily Telegraph the hooded attacker made his way to the dance studio and entered through the front door, which was unlocked for fire safety reasons.\n \nA staff member at the Hart Space told the newspaper \u2018it\u2019s always open because there\u2019s no alternative exit from that room\u2019, adding: \u2018There\u2019s no fire door.\n \n\u2018Also, we have to keep it open as the children want to go to the toilet constantly and it\u2019s just outside the door \u2013 the toilets.\n \n\u2018It\u2019s a lock with a key \u2013 you\u2019d have to keep all the kids locked in with a key.\u2019\n \nThey added that the studio is \u2018the most lovely, lovely relaxing place\u2019, saying it is \u2018usually for babies and pregnant women\u2019.\n \n","headline":"Door to dance class \u2018usually left open\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325571","datePublished":"2024-07-30T11:19:35+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T11:19:36+01:00","articleBody":"Witnesses have described how the Taylor Swift-inspired dance and yoga workshop quickly turned into something \u2018like a horror movie\u2019.\n \nOne, Deborah Parker said she saw a 10-year-old girl rush to her mum as she arrived to pick her up, The Times reports.\n \nThe 57-year-old, who lives nearby, said: \u2018She\u2019s come out saying, \u201cMum, I\u2019ve been stabbed, I\u2019ve been stabbed\u201d.\n \n\u2018She was screaming \u201chelp me, help me\u201d. She was covered in blood. The girl was just slumped in the front seat. She was barely breathing, it was just horrendous. She was barely conscious.\n \n\u2018[The mother] didn\u2019t know what had happened because her daughter couldn\u2019t speak.\u2019","headline":"'Mum, I've been stabbed'","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325366","datePublished":"2024-07-30T11:00:11+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T11:24:38+01:00","articleBody":"Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has laid flowers at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport.\n \nMs Cooper, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service\u2019s Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell walked to the cordon together, each holding a bouquet of flowers.\n \nThe Home Secretary stood for a few moments looking at the tributes before laying her flowers and reading some of the messages left by others.\n \nShe and Mr Hurley hugged.\n \nShe is understood to have met with first responders in the town earlier.\n \n\n \n","headline":"Home Secretary lays flowers at the scene","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325251","datePublished":"2024-07-30T10:45:43+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-31T08:39:34+01:00","articleBody":"Taylor Swift has said she is at a 'complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies' to the families of those killed and hurt in the attack in Southport.\n \nThe singer posted a tribute on Instagram saying they were 'just little kids at a dance class'.\n \nShe added: '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 the first responders. \n \n'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.'\n \n","headline":"Taylor Swift pays tribute to Swifties killed in Southport","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325211","datePublished":"2024-07-30T10:42:29+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T10:42:30+01:00","articleBody":"A dance teacher who bravely tried to shield children during a rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed class is reportedly among the victims now fighting for their life.\n \nTwo children were killed and nine others stabbed on Monday when hooded knifeman wearing a Covid face mask walked into the workshop in Hart Street, Southport, and began attacking people.\n \nIn an update yesterday evening, police confirmed two adults were also seriously injured trying to protect children during the 'ferocious attack'. \u00a0\n \n\n \nLeanne Lucas, 35, who organised the workshop, suffered stab injuries, MailOnline reports. She and co-organiser Heidi Barlow, 35, are thought to have managed to save 16 of the 25-strong class.\n \nPosting a photo of Leanne on Facebook, Sunshine Yoga wrote: \u2018I'm absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne.\n \n\u2018Leanne came on my training course in December. A beautiful young creative girl who was so passionate about helping children. I just can't believe it. Please pray.\u2019\n \nOthers described the news as \u2018devastating\u2019 and \u2018heartbreaking\u2019.","headline":"Hero dance teacher who saved children from Southport knife rampage pictured","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21325056","datePublished":"2024-07-30T10:26:24+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T10:31:41+01:00","articleBody":"Fans of Taylor Swift have launched a fundraiser for families affected by the tragedy.\n \nThe money raised is going towards Alder Hey Children's Charity, which raises funds for Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where some of the victims of the attack are being treated.\n \nSo far more than \u00a326,000 has been raised.\n \nOn the fundraising page, the fans wrote: 'We are working with Alder Hey Children\u2019s Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport, and raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed. \n \n'Every donation through this link goes directly to the verified charity below, which will in turn help make a difference to those impacted in a time of great sadness.\n \n'Forever and always, thank you. Cristina & Holly.'\n \n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/TheErasTourUK\/status\/1818041156619616654","headline":"Taylor Swift fans launch fundraiser","author":{"name":"isobel-frodsham-met"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21324802","datePublished":"2024-07-30T10:00:44+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T10:00:45+01:00","articleBody":"Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: 'The town is in mourning, the town is in shock this morning. The incident that took place yesterday was uniquely horrific.\n \n'Southport\u2019s a quiet seaside, coastal town. This has just sent shockwaves through the whole community.\n \n'It\u2019s a very small town, Southport, and a lot of families across the area will be impacted directly.\n \n'I think at this stage we need to just reach out, make sure that there\u2019s a level of community healing going on and make sure we give voice to the solidarity that people need right now.'\n \n","headline":"Southport 'in mourning' after 'horrific' incident","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21324359","datePublished":"2024-07-30T09:05:45+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T09:12:00+01:00","articleBody":"Sir Keir Starmer could visit the community reeling from the Southport knife attack on Tuesday, the Chancellor suggested.\n \nAsked whether the Prime Minister will be in the north-west seaside town, Rachel Reeves told Sky News: 'I\u2019m sure he will be and I know that the Home Secretary is already there.'\n \nReacting to the attack, she said: 'Beyond the worst nightmare of any parent what\u2019s unfolding in Southport. And my thoughts and prayers are with all of those families affected.\n \n'And I also just pay tribute to the emergency services, particularly at Alder Hey Hospital having to treat the children and families who have been impacted by what happened yesterday.\n \n'Nothing can prepare you for something like this. And I think everybody across our country today is thinking of that community and those families.'\n \n","headline":"PM could visit Southport today","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21324221","datePublished":"2024-07-30T08:47:26+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T08:47:26+01:00","articleBody":"On Tuesday morning flowers and teddies had been left by the police cordon on Hart Street.\n \nOne message in a \u2018Thinking Of You\u2019 card said \u2018thoughts and prayers\u2019 were with those affected and was signed: \u2018Love \u2013 Southport.\u2019\n \nAnother said: \u2018Fly high with angels little ones.\u2019\n \nA large police cordon remained in place at the scene.\n \n\n \n\n \n","headline":"Tributes at the scene this morning","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21324176","datePublished":"2024-07-30T08:40:27+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T08:40:27+01:00","articleBody":"The young victims were attending a Taylor Swift event at the dance school when the attacker walked into the premises with a knife and began stabbing.\n \nOne local said one of the two adults injured in the attack locked herself in a room with children to protect them as eyewitnesses reported hearing screaming and seeing children \u2018covered\u2019 in blood, suffering stab wounds.\n \nAnother described seeing a distraught mum arrive at the scene in her car.\n \nHe said: \u2018She was screaming \u201cmy daughter\u2019s been stabbed\u201d. The woman was in hysterics. Then two police cars rushed up the street the other way.\n \n\u2018It was a mum with her 10-year-old daughter who had been stabbed. I helped to get her back up to where the police cars and ambulances were.\n \n\u2018She didn\u2019t look great but my focus was on getting her back up the street to get help.\n \n\u2018When I got back up the street there were a couple of kids on the floor being seen to by paramedics and, as I came back, more police cars were going down and more ambulances gradually started to arrive.\u2019","headline":"\u2018My daughter\u2019s been stabbed\u2019","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/","url":"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/29\/major-incident-in-southport-after-stabbing-21318313\/#entry-21324136","datePublished":"2024-07-30T08:35:22+01:00","dateModified":"2024-07-30T08:35:22+01:00","articleBody":"\u2013 What happened?\n \nPolice were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am on Monday morning at an address in Southport.\n \nMerseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said officers found multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a \u2018ferocious attack\u2019 and had suffered serious injuries.\n \nShe added the adults who were injured were \u2018bravely trying\u2019 to protect the children who were being attacked.\n \nThe children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack children inside.\n \n\n \nOne witness said he called the police to an address behind The Hart Space studios, where a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children in school years two to six, aged between six and 11, was taking place.\n \nOthers described hearing \u2018screaming\u2019 and seeing bleeding children running from the scene.\n \nColin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, said it was \u2018like a scene from a horror movie\u2019.\n \nMs Kennedy said the motivation for the attack is \u2018unclear\u2019 but it is currently not being treated as terror-related.\n \n\u2013 Where and when did it happen?\n \nPolice were called to reports of a stabbing in Hart Street, Southport, at around 11.47am on Monday.\n \nSouthport is in the north-west, around 10 miles north of Liverpool.\n \nNorth West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said victims were taken to Alder Hey Children\u2019s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.\n \nAlder Hey declared a major incident and asked parents not to bring their children to the emergency department unless it was urgent.\n \n\u2013 What do we know about the attacker?\n \nMerseyside Police confirmed that armed police had \u2018detained a male and seized a knife\u2019 following the incident.\n \nThe force later said a 17-year-old boy from Banks, a Lancashire village to the north of\u00a0Southport, who was born in Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.\n \n\n \nHe will be questioned about the incident, and police said they are working to establish the motive for the attack.\n \nPolice confirmed that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and said no one else is being sought in connection with it.\n \n\u2013 What do we know about the victims?\n \nNorth West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin told a press conference 11 casualties were treated at what he described as a \u2018devastating scene\u2019.\n \nTwo children died in the attack and nine were injured.\n \nSix of those are in a critical condition. Two adults are also in a critical condition. The victims have not yet been named.\n \n\u2013 What has been said?\n \nThe King said he and the Queen had been \u2018profoundly shocked\u2019 to hear of the \u2018utterly horrific incident in Southport today\u2019.\n \nCharles added: \u2018We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and love ones of those who have so tragically lose their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.\u2019\n \nThe Prince and Princess of Wales said: \u2018As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.\n \n\u2018We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.\n \n\u2018Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.\u2019\n \n\n \nFollowing the press conference, the Prime Minister offered his condolences to the victims of the attack in Southport, and their families and friends, saying \u2018the whole country is deeply shocked\u2019.\n \nMP for Southport Patrick Hurley posted a statement on X: \u2018My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the horrific attack on Hart Street today.\n \n\u2018I am deeply saddened by the news that two children have been fatally injured.\n \n\u2018I hope for the swift and full recovery of all the other victims of this senseless attack and I thank the staff at Alder Hey Children\u2019s Hospital, Southport and Formby Hospital, and Aintree University Hospital for their care for those affected.\u2019","headline":"What do we know about the attack so far?","author":{"name":"Sam Corbishley"}}],"author":{"name":"jasper-king"},"name":"Violent unrest erupts across UK as boy charged over Southport stabbing"}

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Violent riots erupt across UK after three girls died in Southport stabbings