Sefton Council has urged the public not to lay flowers in Southport on the first anniversary of the knife attack that killed three young girls. Instead, people are encouraged to donate to local charities.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Hart Street on July 29 last year. The council said the community's solidarity would 'shine bright' and asked that no floral tributes be placed at Hart Street or schools.
A three-minute silence will be held at 3pm on July 29, observed by the council and other public bodies. Flags will be lowered to half-mast on public buildings across the Liverpool city region.
The council's open letter stated: 'In respect of this deeply personal time, we ask that no floral tributes be laid.' It added that the public's compassion had been a 'source of comfort' to those affected.
A public inquiry into the attack, which will examine what was known about killer Axel Rudakubana, 18, opens at Liverpool Town Hall on July 8. Support for those affected remains available via the council's website.
