A 17-year-old male has been charged with the murders of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport, England, and 10 counts of attempted murder, officials said Wednesday night.
Police said the accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, would face Liverpool Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, August 1. He is also charged with possession of a bladed article.
Three children were killed and nine others injured in the stabbing incident on Monday, police said. Two adults were also injured while trying to protect the children, police said.
This combination of pictures created on July 30, 2024 shows handout pictures released by Merseyside Police in London on July 30, 2024, of 9-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar (L), 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and 6-year-old Bebe King.
Merseyside Police/AFP via Getty Images
Bebe King, 6, and 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed in the attack. A third girl, 9-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, died on Tuesday morning in the hospital, police said.
Merseyside police said the children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school at the time.
Officers responded just before noon on Monday to reports of a stabbing at a property in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, according to Merseyside police.
Police had previously said a 17-year-old boy from Banks, a coastal village in Lancashire, just outside Southport, had been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The suspect was born in Cardiff, Wales, police said.
-ABC News’ Morgan Winsor, Kevin Shalvey and Helena Skinner contributed to this report.
A tragic incident has shaken the United Kingdom as a 17-year-old has been charged with murder in a stabbing attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The horrifying event took place in a quiet town, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The details of the attack are still emerging, but what is known is that the suspect allegedly carried out the brutal stabbings, leaving three innocent victims dead. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but authorities are working diligently to piece together what led to this senseless act of violence.
The victims, all young girls, were described as bright and promising individuals with their whole lives ahead of them. Their families and friends are devastated by the loss and struggling to come to terms with the tragic events that unfolded.
The suspect, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, has been charged with murder and is currently in custody awaiting trial. The case has sparked a debate about youth violence and mental health issues among young people in the UK. Many are calling for better support and resources to address the root causes of such violent acts and prevent them from happening in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on communities and families. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and support for young people who may be struggling with mental health issues or other challenges.
As the investigation into this tragic event continues, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. May they find strength and solace during this difficult time, and may justice be served for those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence.
