Tragic incident in Southport - Monday 29th July
30 July 2024 4min read
Responding to tragic events in Southport on Monday 29th July, Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic events, which unfolded earlier today.
“Our thoughts are with all the victims of this attack and their families.
“I’d like to thank all those who responded to the incident and helped in any way they could in what must have been extremely difficult circumstances.
“We know this has caused concern and upset in the local community and while there is no immediate threat to the public we will be providing help and support in the coming days and weeks.
“We are working closely with our partners, including the police, and further updates will be issued in due course. We’d ask people not to speculate on social media as this may hamper the investigation and any future court proceedings and provide further distress to those affected.”
Support and advice
Linaker Street Family Wellbeing Centre will be open all day today (Tuesday 30th July) for members of the community to get support.
Whether that be to gather together, have a brew or find support, please come and see our teams.
We have mental health and talking therapy teams on site for anyone who may need them.
The Linaker Street Family Wellbeing Centre is at Linaker Street, Southport, PR8 5DQ.
Sefton in Mind
If you have been affected – directly or indirectly - by the tragic events in Southport, you can find a range of support at www.seftoninmind.org.uk.
The Sefton In Mind pages on mental health support provide information on how to access to a wide range of services in Sefton, including Crisis Support, Specialist Services including bereavement, Support for Men, Support for Women and Someone to Speak to.
Use this link to visit Sefton in Mind.
Young people
Kooth can offer free, safe and anonymous support for young people who want someone to understand, advice, or help for a friend.
You can find more about Kooth here.
Statement from Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy
"Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition, all those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.
"A 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives
"My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am at an address Southport. When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.
"It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside. We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.
"As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
"Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.
"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support. Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
"You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org."
Update from Merseyside Police (Tuesday 30th July)
"Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday 29 July.
"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July.
"We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.
"Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.
"Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.
"Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.
"Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks and he remains in police custody.
"A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport. This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.
"This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.
"Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Victim Care officers will be at the Community Support Centre set up at Southport FC from 10am-6pm today to support those affected.
"Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support. Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
"You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org."
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