Southport falls silent two years on from knife attacks

A seaside town has held a three-minute silence to remember victims and survivors of the Southport knife attacks two years on.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July 2024.

Eight other children, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes were also seriously injured in the attack.

Hundreds of people fell silent across the town, with flags flown at half-mast.

The silence was observed by public bodies including Sefton Council and Merseyside Police.

The force said it was pausing "to remember the light, the kindness and the joy that Alice, Bebe and Elsie brought into this world".

It added: "We will never forget that day or the impact it has had on those whose lives were taken, their loved ones, those who survived, and those who responded."

People were encouraged not to leave floral tributes but instead to donate to local causes.

Southport MP Patrick Hurley said his thoughts were with the families of Alice, Elsie, Bebe and everyone whose lives were changed by the attack.

He said: "The passing of time does not lessen grief or erase trauma. But it has also shown the strength, compassion and determination of our town.

"Through the kindness people have shown one another and through the charities and community organisations created in the aftermath, we have seen a lasting commitment to supporting others and ensuring that hope can grow alongside remembrance."

He added: "Today we simply pause to remember, to reflect and to hold all those affected in our thoughts."

Sacristan of St Marie's and St Patrick's Church in Southport Evelyn Hart told BBC Radio Merseyside Bebe, Elsie and Alice were "always in our thoughts" and "still part of our community".

The 73-year-old said: "We had a special mass on Sunday at St Patrick's for the three girls and the girls were the topic of today's mass [at St Marie's].

"Just because they're not here with us now, they are still part of our community, they always will be.

"We must remember them all the time and do our best to see that this sort of thing never happens again."

She added the town was "gently moving forwards, not forgetting but moving forwards".

Rev Rachel Bray, vicar of St Philip & St Paul with Wesley in Southport, which was a safe space for people in the aftermath of the attack, said it was an "emotional day".

She said that, as in the days after the stabbings, "the power of coming together was enormous".

She said the community was "trying to heal and look forward" and it was taking the lead from the "inspirational" Southport families and the initiatives they have started.

Rev Bray said people in the community have been "inspired by them" and their charity work and "want good to come out of absolute tragedy".

Foundations were set up in memory of Alice, Bebe and Elsie.

Alice's WonderDance Foundation aims to "spread Alice's magic" by supporting young dancers and Elsie's Story hopes to continue her legacy by supporting young people and children.

Bebe's Hive was launched to support grieving children through creative sessions.

Lucas launched the Let's Be Blunt campaign to prevent knife harm with safer kitchen knife designs - including rounded-tips - to reduce the likelihood of severe injuries.

The metro mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said today was a "difficult day for our region as we remember all those affected by the Southport tragedy two years ago".

He said: "In the face of unimaginable loss, the people of Southport have shown extraordinary strength, compassion and resilience. They have supported one another through the darkest of times, reminding us all of the power of community.

"The entire Liverpool City Region family stands with you today and always - as does the whole country."

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