Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

7 minutes read. Updated 1:26PM GMT Tues, 30July, 2024

In a harrowing incident that has shocked the UK, a third child has died following a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, a picturesque seaside town in northwestern England. The tragedy unfolded on Monday, leaving a community reeling and prompting a large-scale investigation by Merseyside Police.

The latest victim, a 9-year-old girl named Alice Aguiar, was identified by the Portuguese Secretary of State for Communities, Jose Cesario. The child, whose family hails from the Madeira region of Portugal, was critically injured in the attack and succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. This brings the total number of fatalities to three, with the other victims being girls aged 6 and 7.

The attack occurred at the Hart Space community center, which hosts a range of activities from yoga workshops to children’s events. The Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class, aimed at children aged 6 to 11, was meant to provide a fun summer vacation activity but turned into a scene of horror. Witnesses described the chaotic moments as children, bloodied and terrified, fled the scene.

Merseyside Police responded swiftly, arresting a 17-year-old suspect shortly after the attack. The teenager, a Cardiff native who had lived in a nearby village, is currently in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities have stated that they are not treating the attack as terror-related and are not seeking any additional suspects.

Local residents have expressed their grief and disbelief. Flowers and stuffed animals have been placed at a police cordon on the street where the attack occurred. Tributes have poured in for Leanne Lucas, the teacher and event organizer who was among those injured. Swifties, fans of Taylor Swift, have launched a fundraiser to support the families of the victims, raising over £100,000 (approximately $129,000) within 24 hours.

The attack has reignited concerns about rising knife crime in the UK. Recent statistics show that knives are the most commonly used weapons in homicides across the country. The Southport incident adds to a disturbing trend of mass stabbings that have occurred in recent years, fueling calls for stricter regulations on bladed weapons.

In response to the tragedy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrendous and deeply shocking.” King Charles III and Prince William and Catherine have also extended their condolences, expressing their profound sadness and support for those affected.

Colin Parry, a local business owner, recounted an encounter with the suspect, who had arrived by taxi and was reportedly aggressive. This adds to the chilling details emerging from the investigation as the community grapples with the aftermath of this brutal attack.

The incident is reminiscent of past tragedies involving mass stabbings in the UK, including the notorious Dunblane school shooting in 1996, which led to stringent firearm regulations. While mass shootings are rare in Britain, the frequency of knife-related crimes has raised significant concerns about public safety.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, with many in Southport and beyond coming together to offer their support during this difficult time.

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