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2024 Southport stabbing: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 53°38′32.5″N 2°59′7.3″W / 53.642361°N 2.985361°W / 53.642361; -2.985361
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→Accused: "cannot be named for legal reasons" is common parlance but doesn't necessarily explain what's going on. Merseyside Police statement makes it clear that his identity is protected as he's under 18
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A suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of [[Murder in English law|murder]] and attempted murder.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=George |date=2024-07-31 |title=Southport: 17-year-old charged with murder over attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj50ljn44j8o |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is a 17-year-old male from [[Banks, Lancashire]], a village approximately {{convert|4|mi|0}} northeast of Southport.<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1857">{{cite news |title=Attacker arrested on suspicion of murder originally from Cardiff |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3Ade534259-926c-4f8c-9884-1dda2144d678#post |access-date=31 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=29 July 2024 |quote=[T]he 17-year-old [who] was arrested on suspicion of murder over the [...] was originally from Cardiff. He was living in Banks, near Southport.}}</ref> He was born in [[Cardiff]], [[Wales]]. His parents, originally from [[Rwanda]], moved to the Southport area in 2013.<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1145">{{cite news |title=Suspect was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3Ade534259-926c-4f8c-9884-1dda2144d678#post |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=30 July 2024 |quote=[T]he 17-year-old [...] was born in Cardiff and moved to the Southport area in 2013. His parents are from Rwanda [...]}}</ref> He is believed to have arrived at the scene by taxi<ref name="Halliday 2024">{{cite news |last1=Halliday |first1=Josh |last2=Al-Othman |first2=Hannah |title='Absolutely shocked': residents tell of horror after Southport stabbing attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/29/absolutely-shocked-residents-tell-of-horror-after-southport-stabbing-attack |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=29 July 2024}}</ref> and acted alone. While Merseyside Police have not identified a motive, they are not currently treating the incident as [[terrorism|terror-related]].<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1725">{{cite news |title=Police say attack 'not being treated as terror-related' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3A7aba2675-24b3-45ec-958a-af31e7a040cc#post |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=29 July 2024 |quote=We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks [...] was arrested [...] At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive [...] and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.}}</ref>
A suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of [[Murder in English law|murder]] and attempted murder.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=George |date=2024-07-31 |title=Southport: 17-year-old charged with murder over attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj50ljn44j8o |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is a 17-year-old male from [[Banks, Lancashire]], a village approximately {{convert|4|mi|0}} northeast of Southport.<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1857">{{cite news |title=Attacker arrested on suspicion of murder originally from Cardiff |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3Ade534259-926c-4f8c-9884-1dda2144d678#post |access-date=31 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=29 July 2024 |quote=[T]he 17-year-old [who] was arrested on suspicion of murder over the [...] was originally from Cardiff. He was living in Banks, near Southport.}}</ref> He was born in [[Cardiff]], [[Wales]]. His parents, originally from [[Rwanda]], moved to the Southport area in 2013.<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1145">{{cite news |title=Suspect was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3Ade534259-926c-4f8c-9884-1dda2144d678#post |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=30 July 2024 |quote=[T]he 17-year-old [...] was born in Cardiff and moved to the Southport area in 2013. His parents are from Rwanda [...]}}</ref> He is believed to have arrived at the scene by taxi<ref name="Halliday 2024">{{cite news |last1=Halliday |first1=Josh |last2=Al-Othman |first2=Hannah |title='Absolutely shocked': residents tell of horror after Southport stabbing attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/29/absolutely-shocked-residents-tell-of-horror-after-southport-stabbing-attack |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=29 July 2024}}</ref> and acted alone. While Merseyside Police have not identified a motive, they are not currently treating the incident as [[terrorism|terror-related]].<ref name="BBC cevwgqz0x41t 1725">{{cite news |title=Police say attack 'not being treated as terror-related' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cevwgqz0x41t?post=asset%3A7aba2675-24b3-45ec-958a-af31e7a040cc#post |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=29 July 2024 |quote=We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks [...] was arrested [...] At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive [...] and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.}}</ref>


On 1 August, the suspect was charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder. and one count of possession of a bladed article. He cannot be named for legal reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Teenage suspect charged after three children killed in Southport knife rampage |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/southport-stabbing-attack-suspect-charge-b2589334.html |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
On 1 August, the suspect was charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder. and one count of possession of a bladed article. As a [[Minor (law)|minor]], he cannot be named.<ref name="MP charge">{{cite web |title=17-year-old boy charged with murders and attempted murders in Southport |url=https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2024/july/17-year-old-boy-charged-with-murders-and-attempted-murders-in-southport/ |publisher=Merseyside Police |access-date=1 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Teenage suspect charged after three children killed in Southport knife rampage |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/southport-stabbing-attack-suspect-charge-b2589334.html |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==

Revision as of 10:04, 1 August 2024

2024 Southport stabbing
Map
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1km
0.6miles
Attack site
LocationHart Street, Southport, Merseyside,
United Kingdom
Coordinates53°38′32.5″N 2°59′7.3″W / 53.642361°N 2.985361°W / 53.642361; -2.985361
Date29 July 2024; 2 months ago (2024-07-29)
c. 11:47 (BST (UTC+1))
Attack type
Stabbing
Deaths3
Injured10
Accused17-year-old unnamed male
ChargesMurder (3 counts)
Attempted murder (10 counts)
Possession of a bladed article (1 count)

On 29 July 2024, a mass stabbing occurred in a dance school in Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom. Three children were killed.

The attack took place at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop for children, hosted at The Hart Space, with 25 children in attendance. Two children died at the scene and a third died in hospital the following day. Ten people – eight of whom were children – sustained non-fatal injuries. A 17-year-old male, who was arrested at the scene, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. A motive for the attack has not been identified, although police stated they were not treating the attack as terror-related.

This attack, along with the dissemination of misinformation about the suspect, sparked a bout of civil unrest between protesters (suspected to be members of the English Defence League) and Merseyside Police.

Incident

At 11:47 BST on 29 July 2024, Merseyside Police responded to reports of multiple stabbings at a children's Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop at The Hart Space,[1] a dance school on Hart Street in Southport.[2][3][4] The workshop was fully booked with 25 children attending.[5]

A knife was seized and a male was arrested at the scene by armed police and taken into custody.[4] Thirteen units from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) attended, including their hazardous area response team (HART) and Medical Emergency Response Incident Team (MERIT) doctors,[6][7] and helicopters from the North West Air Ambulance and Great North Air Ambulance services responded.[7][8] Merseyside Police imposed an Emergency Restriction of Flying to stop aircraft (including helicopters and drones) from flying in the area without permission.[9]

Casualties

Two girls died at the scene.[10] Eleven people, including nine children,[11] were treated by NWAS.[12] Casualties were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, which declared a major incident, as well as Aintree University Hospital, Southport and Formby District General Hospital and Royal Manchester Children's Hospital;[13] seven people – five children and two adults – were in a critical condition.[14] A third girl died in hospital the day after the incident.[15]

The three victims were identified as Bebe King, 6; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Alice Aguiar, 9, who died of her injuries the day after.[16]

Accused

A suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.[17] He is a 17-year-old male from Banks, Lancashire, a village approximately 4 miles (6 km) northeast of Southport.[18] He was born in Cardiff, Wales. His parents, originally from Rwanda, moved to the Southport area in 2013.[19] He is believed to have arrived at the scene by taxi[20] and acted alone. While Merseyside Police have not identified a motive, they are not currently treating the incident as terror-related.[21]

On 1 August, the suspect was charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder. and one count of possession of a bladed article. As a minor, he cannot be named.[22][23]

Aftermath

Official responses

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as horrendous and shocking, and thanked emergency services for their swift response.[24] A similar remark was made by Leader of the Opposition Rishi Sunak. Speaking in the House of Commons, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that she was concerned by the incident and described the emergency services' response as courageous.[25] Patrick Hurley, in whose constituency the incident occurred, stated that he was deeply concerned and hoped for the best possible outcomes to the casualties whilst as well as praising local organisations that "stepped up to the plate" and urging against any online speculation over the event.[26][27] Cooper additionally visited Southport the following morning to lay flowers and meet officials and community leaders.[28] Starmer also visited the same day and laid flowers at the scene. He was heckled by some members of the public.[29]

Condolences were sent by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales.[30][31] The President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa,[32] prime minister Luís Montenegro, and the Regional Government of Madeira, sent condolences as the parents of one victim who emigrated from Madeira to the UK.[33]

Swift responded, saying "the horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously [...] 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."[34] Swifties raised over £100,000 within 24 hours for the victims of the attack.[35]

Public reaction, misinformation, and unrest

Further information: 2024 Southport riot

A vigil was held outside the Atkinson in Eastbank Square on the evening of 30 July, with thousands of people in attendance.[36] Flowers and handwritten notes were left there and near the scene of the attack.[37]

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, misinformation about the identity of the attacker began to spread widely on social media, including a false name.[38] False claims regarding the suspect's nationality, religion and migration status were shared by far-right accounts.[39]

The same evening a large group of people gathered near a mosque on St Luke's Road, near Hart Street. They attacked the mosque with bricks, bottles, and rocks,[40] and set a police vehicle on fire. Merseyside Police believed the group to be supporters of the English Defence League.[41] Merseyside Police reported that 39 officers were injured; 27 were hospitalised and eight sustained serious injuries.[42] Further unrest was later seen in Manchester, London, Hartlepool and Aldershot.[43]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Southport stabbings - what we know so far about knife attack". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Southport stabbings: Two children killed and six in a critical condition after major incident". Sky News. 29 July 2024. Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Children were at Taylor Swift-themed event". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. [...] it's understood the children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event when the attacker entered.
  4. ^ a b "Southport: 'Major incident' after reports of stabbing and 'number of casualties'". Sky News. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Southport stabbings - what we know so far about knife attack". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Ambulance service responding to 'multiple stabbings'". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. We're attending a major incident on Hart Street, Southport following reports of multiple stabbings in which we have dispatched multiple resources.
  7. ^ a b North West Ambulance Service [@NWAmbulance] (29 July 2024). "North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings [...] We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene. [...] So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 July 2024 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ "Air ambulances land at scene". Sky News. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Restrictions on drones and helicopters in Southport following incident". Merseyside Police. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Two children killed, say police". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. [T]wo children have died [...] nine others have been injured, and six are in critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition.
  11. ^ Cobham, Tara (29 July 2024). "Southport stabbing latest: Children among eight injured in major incident as police arrest man". The Independent. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  12. ^ "Ambulance treated 11 casualties". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. Paramedics treated 11 casualties
  13. ^ "Eight victims treated for stab injuries – ambulance service". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. The North West Ambulance Service says paramedics have treated eight patients with stab injuries. The victims have been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital, it says in a statement.
  14. ^ "Southport stabbing latest: Third child dies after Southport dance class stabbing, say police". BBC News. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  15. ^ Murray, Jessica; Al-Othman, Hannah; Halliday, Josh (30 July 2024). "Southport attack: third child dies and five in critical condition". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  16. ^ Martin, Amy-Clare (31 July 2024). "All the victims of Southport stabbing attack named as devastated families pay tribute". The Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  17. ^ Wright, George (31 July 2024). "Southport: 17-year-old charged with murder over attack". BBC News. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Attacker arrested on suspicion of murder originally from Cardiff". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024. [T]he 17-year-old [who] was arrested on suspicion of murder over the [...] was originally from Cardiff. He was living in Banks, near Southport.
  19. ^ "Suspect was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024. [T]he 17-year-old [...] was born in Cardiff and moved to the Southport area in 2013. His parents are from Rwanda [...]
  20. ^ Halliday, Josh; Al-Othman, Hannah (29 July 2024). "'Absolutely shocked': residents tell of horror after Southport stabbing attack". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  21. ^ "Police say attack 'not being treated as terror-related'". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks [...] was arrested [...] At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive [...] and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
  22. ^ "17-year-old boy charged with murders and attempted murders in Southport". Merseyside Police. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Teenage suspect charged after three children killed in Southport knife rampage". The Independent. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Southport incident 'horrendous and deeply shocking' – Starmer". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.
  25. ^ "Home secretary Yvette Cooper on 'awful' Southport incident". Sky News. Retrieved 29 July 2024. I have been in contact with the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and the Merseyside mayor to convey my support to the police and our thanks to the police and emergency services for their swift and courageous response.
  26. ^ "Southport MP 'deeply concerned' by stabbing reports". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. Hurley [...] says he's 'deeply concerned' by the reports of the stabbing in Southport. 'I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected'.
  27. ^ "Southport stabbing: Southport's new MP urges against speculation online". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  28. ^ "Southport stabbing: Home Secretary lays flowers at scene". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  29. ^ Stringer, Connor (30 July 2024). "'How many more children will die?': Starmer heckled on Southport visit". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  30. ^ "King sends 'heartfelt condolences' to victims' families". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. King Charles III says he and Queen Camilla '[...] send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies'.
  31. ^ "William and Kate send 'love, thoughts and prayers' to Southport victims". BBC News. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024. The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute to those affected by the attack in Southport, saying [...] 'We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved'.
  32. ^ "Marcelo lamenta morte de menina portuguesa em ataque com faca no Reino Unido". Correio da Manhã (in Portuguese). 30 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  33. ^ Couzens, Gerard (30 July 2024). "Southport stabbing: Portuguese PM remembers Alice Aguiar". BBC News. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  34. ^ Stephens, Max (30 July 2024). "Southport attack latest: Girl, 9, becomes third child to die in stabbing". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  35. ^ "Swifties for Southport: Fans raise more than £100,000 for Southport victims". The Independent. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  36. ^ "Community bands together in the aftermath of attack". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024. Thousands of people gathered at the vigil for the victims of the attack in Southport [...] [Some businesses ]said they were closing early just so their staff could get down to the square in front of the Atkinson.
  37. ^ "In pictures: Locals leave flowers and handwritten notes for victims". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024. [L]ocals have been leaving flowers and handwritten notes near the scene of the attack.
  38. ^ Quinn, Ben (30 July 2024). "Misinformation about Southport attack suspect spreads on social media". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  39. ^ Gregory, Andy (31 July 2024). "How lies about Southport knife attack suspect led to riots and clashes with police". The Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  40. ^ "Smoke canisters deployed". BBC News. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024. Hundreds of protesters gathered near a local mosque attacking the front of it, throwing bricks, bottles and rocks, many with hoods up and scarves hiding their faces.
  41. ^ Stephens, Max; Stringer, Connor; Johnston, Neil; Henshaw, Chelsie (30 July 2024). "Southport stabbing: Police van set on fire as clashes break out at Southport mosque". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  42. ^ "Officers suffered fractures, with one knocked unconscious - police". BBC News. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024. 53 police officers were injured last night, with 27 taken to hospital. Merseyside Police says eight sustained "serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion".
  43. ^ "More than 100 arrests as Southport protests spread". BBC News. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
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