Thousands of heartbroken mourners tonight gathered for a vigil to remember the three young girls who were killed in the Southport rampage on Monday.
Tearful locals laid flowers outside the Merseyside town’s grand Atkinson building after falling silent to remember six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Elise Dot Stancombe.
They were among 11 children stabbed during a ‘ferocious’ knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop in Southport on Monday lunchtime.
Five further children, aged between six and 11, are in a critical condition alongside two female adults, among them hero yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, who ‘bravely tried to protect them’.
In the first week of the summer holidays, the seaside town should be bustling with happy families and tourists. But at 6pm on Tuesday, more than 5,000 people stood in silence outside the Atkinson building amid an outpouring of grief and shock.
In front of the Grade II-listed building, which comprises a theatre, museum and library, is the Town Hall Gardens, where a sea of floral tributes built up.
One heartbreaking poster surrounded by candles and flowers said ‘never stop dancing’. The children had been enjoying a summer holiday dance workshop when a knifeman entered the studio and launched a frenzied attack.
Among the bouquets, there were also a number of Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets. ‘Thinking of you all,’ a row of four of them spelt out.
Many of those in attendance wept and embraced each other as civic leaders spoke of the ‘life-changing tragedy’.
Leading the vigil, the Reverend Martín Abrams, the chaplain of Southport hospital, said: ‘Southport is not used to global attention. To be known around the globe for a defining incident that has shook us all to the core.
‘Taylor Swift, who herself has commented on events and her bracelets of friendship which people are encouraged to make and swap and share, remind us we should never feel alone.
‘Clearly the crowds tonight show we want to stand together.’
He added: ‘Tonight is not about levels or creed but it is about standing in solidarity together in the face of life changing events. We share our common humanity and we weep together.’
Mayor of Sefton, Jane Burns, said: ‘It’s hard to find to the correct words to say at such a horrible, dreadful time. When I went over to lay some flowers it hits you, you can’t help but cry. The outpouring of grief, the sadness.
‘Actually having to go and lay flowers because some little children wanted to dance at the beginning of their school holidays. It’s just unbelievable.
‘I hope all of you here find some comfort from somebody, even if it’s somebody you meet here today, a stranger that you see needs help.
‘Reach out and help. Be kind. Let’s allow them families to grieve in the way they wish to grieve. I ask for calm and respect at this time.’
Dignitaries, including the Mayor of Liverpool, Richard Kemp, and Southport MP Patrick Hurley, then laid flowers alongside dozens of other bouquets by the Princess Diana fountain.
Rev Abrams concluded: ‘The best advice I can give to anyone is don’t feel alone. There is a lot of support out there feel free to use it.’
Among the many locals who attended the event was grandmother of nine Brenda Jones, 77, who said: ‘It was important to be here to show solidarity with the families of those children who died and were injured.
‘I was in hospital today for a blood test and some of the staff I spoke to had actually been on duty yesterday and you could see it was still traumatic for them. One nurse had treated one of the little girls who was injured.
‘I’m glad that so many people came out tonight to prove that Southport is really united as one now.
‘It’s a quiet, gentle town. It’s close to Liverpool – where I’m from originally- but in many ways the locals are more reserved, so it’s been really heartening to see so many show their emotions openly and prove to the country and the world that we are all standing together in the face of such an awful tragedy.’
Kath Perry, 73, who has two daughters and three grandchildren, said: ‘The last 24-hours has really hit me, I woke up this morning and thought “Oh my God” because what has happened is so horrific and it’s the first thing that came to mind.
‘It’s very close to home, my daughter lives very close to the venue but fortunately she is on holiday. I would have been beside myself with worry had she been there.
‘But tonight is showing the families who have gone through such a tragedy that we are with them fully.
‘What happened yesterday is perhaps the most traumatic event this town has ever suffered but tonight was to show what our community is all about.
‘Everyone has come together, there’s been little gestures like a local cab firm offering to drive parents to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool free of charge if they have a child being treated there.
‘This will never be forgotten in Southport, I think it will change the town.’
Also attending the vigil were a couple whose eight-year-old daughter attended the same dance workshop during the Easter Holidays.
Clutching a bouquet of red flowers, the mother, who asked not to be named, fought back tears as she said: ‘It could have been my daughter. She’d gone to the venue, she’d been at a similar workshop during the Easter holidays. That thought keeps swirling around my head.
‘The last 24-hours have left me shaken to the core and feeling sick. At least this evening we were able to show the families we are one hundred per cent behind them.’
Another mum, who gave her name only as Mary, added: ‘We can’t fix what happened. We can’t make things better. But we can show we care.
‘This is something that just doesn’t happen in Southport so for so many of us to show solidarity to the victims and their families was precious.’
Ahead of the vigil, the families and schools of the innocent girls who were fatally attacked by a crazed knifeman also released tributes.
In a statement, Bebe’s family said: ‘No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.’
The family of Alice 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.’
And the headteacher of Farnborough Road Infant School said they were ‘heartbroken and devastated’ by the death of pupil Elsie.
Jennifer Sephton said: ‘Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders, and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.
‘Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply-felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.
‘It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her. We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.’
A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder and is being questioned following the incident in Southport, Merseyside.
Alder Hey Children’s hospital this afternoon released a statement confirming that seven children had been taken to the site for treatment. One of those was Alice, and of the others, two remain in a critical condition, a spokesperson said.
The head of the school trust attended by Alice and Bebe said the girls ‘will be in our hearts forever’.
Endeavour Learning Trust chief executive David Clayton said ‘no words can do justice to what has happened here in Southport.
The trust contains Churchtown Primary School in Southport, which Alice and Bebe had both attended.
Churchtown Primary headteacher Jinnie Payne said the school had heard the ‘tragic news’ with ‘great sadness’, describing the stabbings as an ‘atrocity’.
In 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.
‘No one should ever have to experience horror like this.
‘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.
‘We will come together as a community, offering each other support and care as we work through this difficult time.
‘Alice and Bebe will be in our hearts forever.’
Ms Payne said Alice, a Year 4 pupil at Churchtown, was the ‘happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine’.
The Churchtown Primary headteacher added: ‘She was known and loved by everyone in our school community of 700 children, a testament to her unique ability to connect with others.
‘Alice’s radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy.
‘Her 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.’
Ms Payne said Bebe, a former pupil at the school, was a ‘joyful girl’ whose ‘kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community’.
The headteacher added: ‘During her time at the school, Bebe’s considerate nature and her love of learning shone through in everything that she did.
‘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.
‘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.
‘Bebe’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.’
The headteacher added: ‘We know that a number of other children from Churchtown were also involved in the attack, along with much-loved colleagues.
‘We extend our heartfelt wishes to all those families affected by this horrific incident, including those currently in hospital or continuing to receive treatment.’
Devastated relatives of Alice said she had been taken by a ‘despicable human being.’
Her mother Alexandra Aguiar is understood to be originally from Caracas in Venezuela and her dad David Aguiar is from the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Relative Carina Aguiar, a hotel worker who lives in Camara de Lobos in Madeira, posted a link on her social media to news Merseyside Police had confirmed a third child’ had died following the attack and wrote tear emojis beside it.
Earlier she posted a photo of a black ribbon on her Facebook alongside Alice’s name after writing in an emotional tribute: ‘Princess Alice. In this moment of great pain my soul hurts, my body hurts, my mind hurts. I have a lump in my throat.
‘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.’
Liliana Soares wrote: ‘What a huge tragedy. My pretty and innocent angel. Such tremendous pain. My sincerest condolences Carina to the whole family.’
Another family friend, Henrique Drummond, wrote on social media in a direct message to Alice’s 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.’
Father John Heneghan, who led Alice Aguir’s first communion service, described her as a ‘beautiful girl from a lovely family’ – adding that they had only been to mass on Sunday morning, 24 hours before the tragedy.
Describing Alice at her First Communion, Fr Heneghan, parish priest at St Patrick’s for eight years, said he remembered ‘little Alice’ having the most beautiful smile, a radiant smile, if you’d say the epitome of happiness that day, she was it.’
‘We can’t make sense of it,’ he added.
Portuguese Foreign Ministry sources confirmed today a Portuguese girl had died.
One said: ‘Portugal’s Consul General in Manchester is assisting the family, having spoken to her parents, and is continuing to offer them all the support they need.’
Police say they are not looking for anyone else and do not believe the incident is terrorism related.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Southport this afternoon and thanked emergency service workers who responded to the knife attack, 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.’
He added: ‘It is sometimes really important in life just to come and say a simple thank you to all of you, so let me do that, on behalf of myself, on behalf of the government, on behalf of the country – thank you.’
The fully-booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something ‘like a horror movie’, witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.
Locals said the alleged knifeman arrived at the dance studio wearing a black hooded top and facemask in a taxi and got out without paying.
They said the suspect then walked into the studio through a front door that was unlocked for fire safety reasons.
Emergency services said the scene was ‘horrific’ and ‘chaotic’ as they arrived at the children’s club.
Police said the suspect, who was born in Cardiff, is from the village of Banks, just outside Southport, and a road in the area was cordoned off by detectives on Monday afternoon.
All the casualties are being treated in hospital, including children’s hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester.
At the scene today, flowers and teddies were left by the police cordon. One message in a ‘Thinking Of You’ card said ‘thoughts and prayers’ are with those affected and was signed: ‘Love – Southport.’ Another said: ‘Fly high with angels little ones.’
Visiting Southport on Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer told emergency service workers: ‘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.’
‘It is sometimes really important in life just to come and say a simple thank you to all of you, so let me do that, on behalf of myself, on behalf of the government, on behalf of the country – thank you.’
He added: ‘I came here to pay my respects to the victims and families who are going through raw pain and grief that most of us can’t imagine – I can’t imagine, as a dad myself.
‘To get a briefing from the chief constable and the emergency services about the ongoing investigation but, also, importantly, to have the opportunity to say to those that were responding yesterday from emergency services, say a personal thank you to them and to shake their hand, and to say that as Prime Minister on behalf of the country, we are grateful for what they did.
‘They, of course, say that they will respond, they’re professionals, to anything, but there’s no pretending that what they had to respond to yesterday was ordinary.
‘It was very, very difficult. They were absolutely professional. And it was important for me to come and say simple words – thank you.’
In a social media post, Taylor Swift shared her horror at the ‘loss of life and innocence’ at the workshop.
She wrote: ‘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 first responders.
‘These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.’
A JustGiving page – set up by Taylor Swift fans – has already raised more than £100,000 to help families affected by the tragedy and pay for the two funerals, with more than 6,500 donations.
Sir Keir Starmer today opened Cabinet by acknowledging the ‘truly horrific’ event in Southport.
‘He said the thoughts of the whole Cabinet and the entire country would be with those who were attacked and their families who are going through an unimaginable ordeal,’ the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
‘He added that it was hard to find words to express what the grieving families and community must be going through.’
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the town to lay flowers at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport this morning.
Ms Cooper, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell walked to the cordon together, each holding a bouquet of flowers.
Ms Cooper described the stabbing in Southport as an ‘unspeakable tragedy’.
In a House of Commons statement, she told MPs: ‘It’s difficult to comprehend or to put into words the horror of what happened.
‘These were young children, dancing to Taylor Swift and celebrating the start of the school holidays.
‘What should have been a joyful start to the summer turned into an unspeakable tragedy.
‘Three young children have lost their lives – Bebe King, age six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, age seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine.’
Ms Cooper also read a tribute by Alice’s family: ‘Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do, our princess.’
A crew from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also paid tribute. About a dozen firefighters walked together to the cordon on Hart Street and laid flowers, with a message to say they were ‘thinking of everyone involved’.
The Home Secretary stood for a few moments looking at the tributes before laying her flowers and reading some of the messages left by others.
She and Mr Hurley hugged. She is understood to have met with first responders in the town earlier.
Speaking to the media today, 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.
‘Southport’s a quiet seaside, coastal town. This has just sent shockwaves through the whole community.
‘It’s a very small town, Southport, and a lot of families across the area will be impacted directly.
‘I think at this stage we need to just reach out, make sure that there’s a level of community healing going on and make sure we give voice to the solidarity that people need right now.’
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said those injured had all suffered stab wounds in the ‘ferocious attack’.
She added: ‘We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.
‘As a mum and a nana, I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through at this moment in time.
‘I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to them.’
Brave Leanne Lucas, 35, who organised the yoga and bracelet making class is among the adult victims fighting for her life in hospital.
The primary school supply teacher – who now teaches children’s yoga workshops – suffered stab injuries after a man entered the venue through the unlocked door, which was left open amid the scorching heat, and started attacking children.
Ms Lucas and her co-organiser and dance teacher Heidi Barlow, also 35, saved 16 children as the 25-strong class aged between six and 11.
Ms Barlow was also injured in the attack, although not seriously, understands.
Two female adults were rushed to hospital after police say they ‘bravely tried to protect them’ from the attack at the Hart Space Studios on Hart Street.
Ms Lucas, who’s also a qualified primary school teacher, is the owner and founder of Enlighten, planned the two-hour session to coincide with the start of the school holidays.
She was hailed today by relatives who paid tribute to her bravery and love for her students.
Pauline Bennett, 64, said: ‘She’s only tiny, she wouldn’t have stood a chance against a man with a knife, but she just wanted to protect those children.
‘I 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.
‘Her sister stayed at her bedside all night and her parents are with her now. We’re just hoping and praying that she’s going to be ok.
‘Leanne loves teaching children, it’s all she’s ever wanted to do. She just loves children.
‘It’s just heartbreaking that someone could do something like this.’
A former school friend said: ‘To my knowledge she organised it, she used to be a primary school teacher at a local school.
Ms Lucas – who taught in China and Dubai before the Covid pandemic hit – is a big fan of Taylor Swift, her aunt said.
‘Then she came home in Covid and now this happens. She went to the Taylor Swift concert and she got a big poster of her for the kids.’
Posting a photo of Ms Lucas on Facebook, Sunshine Yoga wrote: ‘I’m absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne.
‘Leanne 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.’
Others described the news as ‘devastating’ and ‘heartbreaking’.
One Facebook user wrote: ‘I’m in shock. Thinking of you Leanne and everyone involved, love and prayers go out to you all.’
Another added: ‘Thank you for your bravery in defending your class. I pray you get to see how proud the whole town is of your actions today.’
According to Leanne’s Facebook page, she had only recently returned to the UK after a holiday in Italy that included a trip to Venice and the Dolomite Mountains.
Ms Barlow was a dance teacher at Southport Dance Academy, where she had recently taken time off to have a baby girl.
Wishing her luck last year, the school said: ‘We are sending you lots of love and hope you are enjoying all the quality time together.’
Reacting to the tragic news today, the academy posted on Instagram: ‘Thoughts and prayers for everyone affected by today’s shocking events. Southport together.’
Photos from her social media show her celebrating marriage two years ago and her paying tribute to her ‘gorgeous’ students as her classes were halted over lockdown.