A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murders of three young girls following a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport. The incident, which occurred on Monday, left Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, dead. Eight other children were injured, five of whom remain in critical condition, along with two dance instructors who attempted to protect them.
The suspect, who cannot be named due to his age, faces three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article. He is due to appear at Liverpool City Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle confirmed the charges in a late-night press conference on Wednesday.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police stated that the investigation remains active, with support from Lancashire Police and counter-terrorism units. She expressed gratitude for the resources provided by other forces. The Crown Prosecution Service has urged the public to avoid reporting or sharing information that could prejudice the proceedings.
Tributes have poured in for the victims, with over a thousand people attending a vigil in Southport on Tuesday. Bebe King's family described her as a "joyful girl," while Alice Dasilva Aguiar's family called her a "princess." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the scene, laying flowers and thanking first responders for their professionalism.
