A 17-year-old boy has been formally charged in connection with the devastating stabbing incident that occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed event in the UK.
According to Merseyside Police, the teenager, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, has been charged with the murders of three young children – Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. Additionally, he faces 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stated, “While these charges mark a significant milestone in the investigation, our work is far from over. We continue to collaborate with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW).” Kennedy expressed gratitude to the forces that have offered support to Merseyside Police during the last three days, confirming that they are receiving investigative resources from across the North West.
The accused is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Derby Square, on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 29, during a Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, England, approximately 20 miles north of Liverpool. Initially, authorities confirmed two fatalities, with nine children and two adults sustaining critical injuries.
Residents look at floral tributes for the victims of a deadly knife attack in Southport, northwest England, on July 31, 2024. PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images
Kennedy expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “As a mother of two daughters and the grandmother of a 5-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through.”
Swift, 34, took to social media to express her condolences, saying, “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.”
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The royal family also expressed their condolences, with Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton stating, “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.”
King Charles III issued a statement, saying, “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today. We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”
