Southport stabbings latest: All three children killed in knife attack named (2024)

One of the hospitals treating some of the injured children from yesterday's knife attack has shared an update - acknowledging that a third young girl had died (Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine) and confirming that two others are in a critical but stable condition.

"We can confirm that seven children were brought to Alder Hey following the heartbreaking incident in Southport yesterday," a statement read.

"Sadly, despite all our efforts one child has since died," it added, referring to Alice Dasilva Aguiar (see 3.16pm and 1.51pm posts).

"The remaining children are continuing to receive treatment with two remaining in critical care but currently in a stable condition.

"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’s incident.

"We will continue to provide them with all the support we can at this devastating time."

Shortly before his visit to the scene, the prime minister met with first responders.

Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted "to 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".

"It's not what any of them came to work for. But of course, they're professionals, and they deal with it," he said.

"I think about the families, the friends, the loved ones, those directly impacted and of course, the wider community here.

"But I think anybody in the country is not untouched by what happened."

Sir Keir reiterated his commitment to "get to grips" with knife crime, but said "today is the time to focus entirely on the families".

Sir Keir Starmer has visited the scene of yesterday's knife attack in Southport.

The prime minister laid flowers and paid his respects.

His visit follows that of his home secretary, Yvette Cooper, who laid a wreath earlier.

"How many more children?" he was asked by one onlooker.

More shouts were heard as he left the scene.

Our correspondent Ashna Hurynagsays "a number of people did decide to make their feelings known".

"Among the shock and sadness and the deep, deep grief, there is also anger - and we've just heard a snippet of that," she said.

Sir Keir left a message in his wreath, which you can see below.

It reads: "To the victims, families and people of Southport.

"Our hearts are broken. There are no words for such profound loss.

"The nation's thoughts are with you."

Throughout the day, residents have been pouring into Hart Street to pay tribute to the three children killed and nine injured in yesterday's stabbing attack.

One of them was Colin Gibson, who told Sky News children are "too young to know about the badness in the world".

"All the children who start to have a modern understanding of the world will see that people are potentially missing from their lives," he said.

"Southport is a family town and it shouldn't lose that."

Merseyside Police have confirmed the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in the Southport stabbing attack.

They are six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

In a tribute shared by police, Bebe King's family said: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."

The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar said: "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."

Parents are now "terrified" of sending their children to summer camps or clubs, a children's entertainer from Southport has said.

Richard Townes told the PA news agency: "This 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.

"I have a five-year-old daughter who could have just as easily been at the class. I feel helpless and like I can't do anything."

Sefton Council has confirmed a vigil will take place later today.

The vigil will take place outside The Atkinson on Lord Street at 6pm, and a book of remembrance is also available for people to leave messages.

An online fundraising page set up by Taylor Swift fans in the wake of the Southport knife attack has raised more than £100,000.

Earlier, we reported that aJust Giving pagehad been set up to allow people to donate money for funeral costs and victim support.

Shortly before 10am, the total raised was around £23,000.

At the time of writing this post, it had hit £102,576.

The attack took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class that was being held at a community centre.

Earlier today, Swift shared a message about the attack, saying the horror was "washing over" over continuously, and she was "completely in shock".

Churchtown Primary School in Southport has said its whole community is "utterly heartbroken by the tragic events that have taken place".

In a post on X, it said it stands united with all its families and the wider community during this "incredibly difficult time".

Three girls, aged six, seven and nine, have been confirmed dead by police following yesterday's knife attack.

The nine-year-old girl has been named as Alice Aguiar.

A further eight children remain in hospital, with five in critical condition.