Statement from the Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson, LCR Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, and Council leaders of Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Wirral and Halton (5/8/2024)
"We are profoundly appalled and deeply saddened by the recent acts of serious violence and chaos that have marred our beloved region. These actions are not expressions of protest, but deliberate attempts to spread fear and misery within the communities we serve - places where our residents live, work, and learn.
"As political leaders, we want to assure each and every one of you that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We are committed to restoring peace and safety in our communities.
"Our heartfelt thanks go out to our Council staff, Police officers, Firefighters, NHS staff, community volunteers, faith sectors, and business leaders. Many of you reside in our region, standing by our side as neighbours, and have safeguarded us through these deeply troubling times. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
"Lastly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our residents who have displayed compassion, courage, and steadfast resilience.
"Please know that we stand with you, and we are here for you, now and always."
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner urges people to show tolerance and unity amid speculation of more protests (2/8/24)
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner has urged people to show care, tolerance and unity amid speculation of more protests.
Emily Spurrell said today: “I am aware of online speculation surrounding future protests in Merseyside.
“While Merseyside Police will always facilitate peaceful protest, there is absolutely no excuse for the despicable scenes of violence that blighted Southport on Tuesday and other parts of the country this week.
“Such destruction, harm and criminality only further traumatises a community which is reeling from the most unimaginable horror and heartache.
“The families of those affected have made it very clear that they want the violence to stop.
“It is utterly unacceptable to try to weaponise the grief this community is feeling. It only disrespects the families and a community who are suffering.
“Merseyside Police are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder and any individual who engages in such behaviour should expect to feel the full force of the law.
“Mindless violence towards our officers, the same officers who ran towards danger on Monday and are working round the clock to investigate this incident and support the families, is disgraceful and will not be tolerated.
“The scenes we have seen this week have been fuelled by misinformation and outright lies on social media designed to cause animosity and division. I would remind people that not everything they read online is true and to think very carefully before they share information, for as we have sadly seen, it can have serious and damaging consequences.
“The people of Southport have suffered enough this week. They do not want more violence. Their response in the wake of Tuesday night’s violent scenes was to come out the following morning to clean up, rebuild walls, and come together as community to take care of each other.
“I would urge everyone, please follow their example and show care, tolerance and unity.”
Merseyside Police statement on speculation of more protests (2/8/24)
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “We are aware of online speculation surrounding future protests in Merseyside and I want our communities to be assured that we are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder.
“This week, we have sadly witnessed the violence and harm caused by large-scale disorder up and down the country, including in our own community in Southport.
“We have also seen the brilliant and heartening response from the very people who live in these communities as they take it upon themselves to help clean-up the destruction and mess left behind. It’s clear that the people of Merseyside stand united against anyone who is intent on causing fear, destruction and violence.
“The disrespect that they showed towards victims and grieving families and the community is despicable, and I want to reassure residents that we are fully prepared for any possible disorder in the future.
“Police and our partners also want to remind people of the dangers of misinformation and speculation online and how it can have real world consequences that put innocent people in harm’s way.
“People who maliciously spread misinformation wants to cause division and hatred in our communities and it’s completely unacceptable.
“I would continue to ask people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause and to always question the source of information when viewing anything on social media.
“Finally, I want to make this absolutely clear: anyone who intends to cause future damage and harm to our communities will be dealt with robustly, using all our available powers.
“There are extensive plans and considerable police resources in place to quickly deal with anyone intent on causing disorder over the coming days. We will look to bring to justice every person who is identified committing criminal damage and acts of violence against police staff, officers and our communities.”
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “Following the disorder on Tuesday evening, we have now made seven arrests and further arrests will be made over the coming weeks. Extensive work is ongoing to identify all those responsible for the despicable actions and we are determined to find everyone involved in this incident.
"We continue to explore all lines of inquiry, which includes a specialist team who are currently reviewing hundreds of hours of footage as well as images to identify everyone involved. If you took part in this disorder, you can expect to receive a knock on your door by our officers.
“We would continue to appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in the shocking disorder on Tuesday night to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.”
Boy charged with Southport murders named (1/8/24)
It is being reported that the 17-year-old boy charged with the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar in Southport on Monday has been named as Axel Rudakubana.
This morning, he appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court and Liverpool Crown Court to face the three murder charges, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ruled in favour of an application from the media to lift reporting restrictions in the case, allowing the defendant to be identified.
Judge Menary said: "Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation in a vacuum.
“Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, principally because he is 18 in six days time I do not make an order under section 45."
A trial date of January 20, 2025 was set by the crown court. Judge Menary remanded Rudakubana into youth detention accommodation ahead of a plea hearing on October 25.
Disturbances after vigil condemned (30//7/24)
During disturbances tonight in Southport, Merseyside Police Officers had bottles and wheelie bins being thrown a them after a large group of people, believed to be supporters of the English Defence League, began to throw items towards a local mosque.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said: “In the past couple of days, Southport and the country has been shocked and saddened by the terrible events of Monday morning.
“The vigil held at The Atkinson was a heart-warming reminder of how communities so often come together to provide love and support.
“With that in mind, we are appalled that a small minority of people have capitalised on this tragedy in order to spread fear and hatred.
“Our thoughts should be with the victims and their loved ones.
“We condemn these violent protests and would like to make it clear that their message of division is against everything we stand for in Sefton.
“Members of the emergency services, who just yesterday rushed in to save the innocent victims and who today everyone applauded are now facing the attacks of people deliberately targeting them with missiles to support their own twisted political agendas."
Responding to the major event in Southport today, Cllr June Burns the Mayor of Sefton who addressed this evening’s community vigil in Southport said: “I am sure I speak for everyone in Sefton and beyond when I say I was heartbroken to hear Monday’s tragic events in Southport but heartened by the display of unity shown at this evening’s vigil in the town centre.
“It was an opportunity to pass on my heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all the families affected and express my sincerest thanks to all those who responded to this incident. Their brave action stopped this tragedy being even worse than it is.
“Given how distressing must this has been for local residents, I am furious that a small minority has ignored the calls for understanding and respect to pursue a twisted agenda of mistrust and hate.
“These people have turned on the brave officers who were just yesterday saving the lives of small children and their brave parents, to pursue an agenda of division and violence.
“They should be ashamed of themselves.”
Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.
“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.
“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder."
Merseyside Police name girls tragically killed in Southport (30/7/24)
Merseyside Police can confirm the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in Southport on Monday (29 July).
They are Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you're always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy."
Southport attack victims' schools pay tribute
Earlier today
Earlier today Merseyside Police said: 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.