Southport Stabbing Incident: Identities Of All 3 Victims Killed At Tragic Taylor Swift-Themed Event Revealed
Three children were killed and several others injured in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England, on July 29. The suspect, a 17-year-old, is in custody.
-
Bebe King, among with two others, lost their lives in the attack
-
Taylor Swift has expressed her shock and sympathy
Trigger warning: This article contains reference to tragic deaths.
The small town of Southport, England, was rocked by a horrifying incident on July 29, when a mass stabbing occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class. Three young children lost their lives in this senseless attack. The pop star herself expresses her shock after knowing about this horrific incident.
Victims named
Merseyside Police confirmed the names of the three children who died as Bebe King, aged 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged 7 and Alice Dasilva Aguiar aged 9. The families are requesting that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. In a statement full of sadness Bebe’s family said that no words can describe the devastation that has hit their family as they try to deal with the loss of their little girl.
Her unfortunate mother and father also shared these words for Alice: “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.”
Details of the attack and response
The event took place at The Hart Space, a dance school that was hosting a themed event for children between ages 6 and 11. At approximately 11:50 am, an individual aged seventeen years old from Cardiff Wales entered armed with a knife. He then attacked those present which included both children and adults.
They were pronounced dead by Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy who confirmed that eight other children had sustained injuries as well as two adults leaving many others in life-threatening conditions. "We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked” claimed Kennedy.
Reactions from Taylor
The reasons behind this incident have not yet been identified; it is not being treated as terror-related according to law enforcement agencies. While awaiting confirmation of formal charges his arrest has been made on suspicion of murder/murder attempt.
Taylor Swift reacted to this horrifying event as she came to Instagram and said; “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.”
Mourning community
The Southport community is grappling with loss and trauma following this attack. The focus still remains on providing support for the victims during this time when investigations are ongoing.
This is an unfortunate incident that has had long-lasting effects on everyone present reminding us that life is fragile and that we must be there for each other in times of crisis.