Hundreds gathered to honor three young girls killed in a stabbing rampage. (Image: PA)
A man has reportedly been arrested while carrying a flick knife just feet from a vigil being held to honor three children killed in a stabbing rampage in Southport on Monday.
Journalist Josh Halliday posted to X: “Witnesses say a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a flick-knife has been arrested in Southport town centre. Large police presence sped off from the vigil a few hundred yards away and apprehended the man.”
When approached by Express.co.uk for comment, Merseyside Police said a statement on the matter would be released shortly, without commenting further.
Halliday also shared footage of a “confrontation” between protesters and police “at a planned far-right march” in the city, with the clip appearing to show a large group of men squaring up to a line of police officers. Later, a police van was set on fire as the crowd clashed with the cops.
NEW: Confrontation between demonstrators and police at a planned far-right march in Southport. They're now attacking a police van. pic.twitter.com/l4iQIMjJKg
— Josh Halliday (@JoshHalliday) July 30, 2024
Speaking on the disorder, Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm officers are dealing with a disturbance during a protest in Southport this evening (Tuesday 30 July).
“At around 7.45pm, a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defense League – began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke's Road in Southport.
“Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behavior and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.
“As a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight. Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section.”
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 endeavor to prevent disorder.
“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.
“There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.
“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.
“Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behavior.”
The vile scenes came as over 1000 people gathered for a vigil in Southport on Tuesday night. Men, women and children packed into the grounds of the Atkinson, a 19th-century stone-built arts venue in the heart of the town- bringing flowers, soft toys and multi-colored balloons.
The Mayor of Sefton June Burns said it was hard to find the right words to express the anguish everyone felt about the stabbings that left three little girls dead and others fighting for their lives.
“When I went over to lay some flowers you can't help but cry because of the outpouring of grief,” she said.
She added it was “just unbelievable” that such a tragedy should happen because so many children wanted to dance at the beginning of the school holidays.
She hoped people found comfort – even if it was from a stranger, she said and called for calm, describing it as “a time for reflection.”
The crowd stood for a minute's silence during the 15-minute vigil. Civic flowers were placed at the scene and the crowd was then invited to lay more flowers and light candles.
Three girls who were killed in a deadly knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club have been named by police, as families paid tribute to their “little girl” and “princess”.
Members of the public took part in a vigil near the scene in Hart Street, Southport. (Image: PA)
Elsie Dot (left), Bebe King (center), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (right) were stabbed to death. (Image: Merseyside Police)
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed in the incident in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured, police said.
Churchtown Primary in Southport said Alice was a pupil at the school and Bebe was a former pupil.
A spokeswoman said one of the critically injured adults is a current staff member and one is a former member of staff who is still closely associated with the school.
In a statement, Bebe's family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
Alice's family also paid tribute to their “princess”.
People attend a vigil outside the Atkinson building in central Southport. (Image: Getty Images)
They said: “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.”
Headteacher of Churchtown Primary Jinnie Payne, the school where Alice was a year 4 pupil and a former school of Bebe, also paid tribute to the victims.
Ms Payne said: “Alice's radiant smile brightened our days, and she embraced every aspect of school life with enthusiasm and joy.
“Her kindness, playful nature, and zest for trying new things will forever be remembered.”
She added: “Bebe was a joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community.
“Her considerate nature meant that she had many friends and she always ensured all children felt included, whether that was through play or working together in the classroom.”
Merseyside Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers.
Hundreds of people – some crying – attended the vigil. (Image: Getty Images)
The fully booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the stabbings have said.
US singer Swift said she is “completely in shock” after the “horror” of the knife attack.
Fans of the pop star had raised more than £103,000 by Tuesday afternoon via their Swifties for Southport online fundraiser.