A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder and attempted murder of 13 people, including 11 children, following a stabbing spree at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 29th, sparked protests that continued for two nights.
The suspect, who is from the village of Banks, Lancashire, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of an offensive weapon. He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning. His identity has not been revealed due to legal reasons.
The victims of the fatal stabbings include Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. Five children remain in critical condition, and two adults who were injured while trying to protect the children are also in serious condition.
Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, confirmed the charges in a statement, highlighting the significance of the milestone in the investigation. She also emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with collaboration between Merseyside Police, Lancashire Police, and counter-terrorism police in the northwest.
Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, Sarah Hammond, emphasized the importance of respecting the ongoing legal proceedings and refraining from any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the trial. She expressed condolences to the families affected by the harrowing events.
Protests in response to the tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, with crowds marching on Downing Street in London. Demonstrators in Whitehall engaged in clashes with police, throwing flares and cans while chanting slogans such as “Rule Britannia,” “save our kids,” and “Stop the boats.” The police reported more than 100 arrests for offenses including violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker, with several officers sustaining minor injuries.
