The community of Southport in England is mourning the loss of three children, as several other children and adults remain in a critical condition, following a “ferocious” knife attack at a children’s Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
A vigil was held on Tuesday night in the small seaside town, 30km north of Liverpool, to remember the lives of Dot Stancombe (7), Alice Dasilva Aguiar (6) and Bebe King (9).
The children were stabbed and killed on Monday, the first official day of England’s summer school holidays, at Southport’s community centre, allegedly by a 17-year-old boy with a knife.
Several other children, who were at the community centre for a Taylor Swift-themed dance, yoga and bracelet-making class, were hurt in the attack. Six remain in a critical condition, along with two adults who were protecting other children from the assailant, police say.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy from Merseyside Police described the attack as “ferocious”.
“When they (police) arrived, they were shocked to find that multiple people – many of whom were children – had been subjected to a ferocious attack,” Chief Constable Kennedy said.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
Seven-year-old Dot and six-year-old Alice died at the scene, while nine-year-old Bebe died on Tuesday in hospital from her critical injuries.
In a statement released by local police, the family of Alice paid tribute to their “princess”.
“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,” the statement reads.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested over suspicion of murder and attempted murder, but no official charges have been laid. Police are also yet to establish a motive, but they have confirmed they are not treating the attack as terror-related.
Response from Taylor Swift & Swifties
The horrific attack in Southport took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, and less than 24 hours after the incident, the international pop star released a statement on Instagram.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continually and I’m just completely in shock,” Swift wrote.
“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.”
Swift is currently on the Europe leg of her Eras World Tour. Millions of women and girls have attended her shows.
A fan-led crowdfunding page called “Swifties for Southport” has been set up to raise money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. More than 17,000 people have donated £263,975 ($518,114 AUD).
“We are working with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport, and raising funeral funds for the three young swifties who have tragically passed,” organisers of the fundraiser Cristina Jones and Holly Goldring wrote.
“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.”
‘Speculation helps nobody’
On Tuesday evening, an angry mob clashed with police near a mosque in Southport. Videos circulating on social media shows the crowd throwing wheelie bins, bottles and other items at officers. Police vehicles were also set on fire, the footage shows, and one officer reportedly sustained a broken nose in the clash.
“Yesterday our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face,” said Alex Goss, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable.
“Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.”
Police said many people have been speculating online about the identity of the 17-year-old boy who has been arrested over the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Goss said this speculation was not correct.
“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK, and speculation helps nobody at this time,” Assistant Chief Constable Goss said.