All three of the children killed in the Southport knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class have been named.
On Monday (July 29), police were called to a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hope of Hart Children's club on Hart Street, Southport, after reports of a "ferocious" knife attack taking place.
Police confirmed that they have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the crime, as an investigation for a motive continues.
Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, told reporters on Tuesday: "There is a serious criminal investigation underway because this was a horrific attack. It's important that the police pursue every single avenue, and that is what Merseyside Police are now doing."
Merseyside Police have now confirmed the names of the three girls who were murdered in the attack.
The victims are six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
It was initially reported that two children had died as a result of the attack, but in a recent police update, it was confirmed that a third child has now succumbed to her injuries following the devastating stabbings at a children's dance and yoga class.
In a heartbreaking statement, 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.
"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July," the statement continued. "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 critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition after being injured during the incident," they added.
In the wake of the tragedy, Taylor Swift has addressed the incident via her personal Instagram, stating that she is in a state of "shock."
"The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock," Swift wrote on her Instagram Stories. "The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.
"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
In response to the tragedy, Swifties are trying to do their part in aiding the families of the victims, with a link to a fundraiser being shared online.
The JustGiving page, which was set up by Cristina Jones and Holly Goldring from the Taylor Swift UK & EU Facebook Group, states that the money will be used to aid with arranging the victims' funerals.
The description reads: "We are working with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport, and raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed. Every donation through this link goes directly to the verified charity below, which will in turn help make a difference to those impacted in a time of great sadness."
.jpg_jQaeK2?tr=h-40)
.jpg_EK1U29?tr=h-40)
.jpg_jQaeK2?tr=h-184)
.jpg_EK1U29?tr=h-184)
