Tragedy struck Southport as three young girls fell victim to a horrific knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed club, as families paid tribute to their “little girl” and “princess”.
The community is from the tragic deaths of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7., who have been named by police.
The incident occurred on Monday at a dance studio on Hart Street, where a 17 year old boy is currently held on charges of murder and attempted murder. He cannot be identified due to legal restrictions.
The violent attack resulted in eight other children sustaining stab injuries, with five of them along with two adults fighting for their lives in critical condition, according to police statements.
Grieving relatives have begun paying tributes; Bebe King's family expressed their heartbreak, stating: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
Alice's family shared similar sentiments, honouring their beloved "princess" with moving words: "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."
Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers.
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 stabbings have said.
US singer Swift said she is “completely in shock” after the “horror” of the knife attack.
Fans of the pop star had raised more than £103,000 by Tuesday afternoon via their Swifties for Southport online fundraiser.
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