We were saddened to hear about recent Southport stabbings tragedy. On Monday 29th July, 11 children and three adults became the victims of an unprovoked violent knife attack while attending a dance school. The perpetrator of this knife attack has now been named as the sole culprit in the Southport stabbings.
Knife Attack Targeted a Taylor Swift Themed Event
Recently, we wrote a blog post on the rise in crime over the summer holidays. Despite Government research showing spikes in youth violent crime over the warmer months, there has been little research into why that might be the case and what can be done to stop it. Whether it’s a lack of support, boredom, disaffected youth, or a combination of factors, the Southport stabbings have highlighted this issue in a very visceral way.
A Taylor Swift themed yoga and dance workshop for primary school children was in full swing when the attacker walked in and began his assault. Victims of the senseless Southport stabbings are in shock at what they described as a “ferocious” knife attack.
Three girls, Bebe King aged 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe aged 7, and Alice Aguiar aged 9 have died from their injuries. Eight other children suffered stab wounds, and two adults were left in critical condition. Leanne Lucas, 35, was one of the adult victims of the knife attack. She was one of the organisers of the event and has been called a hero for her bravery in trying to shield the children from the attacker, sustaining horrific injuries in the process.
Taylor Swift herself expressed her shock and sympathy at the Southport stabbings. The star took to social media to raise funds for the victims and their families, stating:
"The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I'm just completely in shock. The loss of life and the 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."
Following suit, the King and prime minister have led tributes and offered their heartfelt condolences to those affected by the vicious knife attack.
Far Right Protesters’ Speculation Causes Unrest
In the immediate aftermath of the Southport stabbings, speculation about the perpetrator’s identity and nationality began to spread. Shortly after the vigil to honour the victims of the knife attack, groups of far-right protesters descended on Southport. Southport’s Labour MP, Patrick Hurley, has called these people “thugs who used the deaths of three little kiddies for their own political purposes.”
The disturbances in Southport were mainly focused on and around a mosque. Police officers were pelted with bricks and a police van was set on fire as tempers flared. More than 50 police officers were injured. Mr Hurley has said that the majority of the rioters had come from outside of the town. They are thought to be involved with the far right organisation, the English Defence League.
Southport was not the only place to have suffered unrest, as violent protests broke out up and down the country. Manchester, Hartlepool and London saw the worst of the rioting. With 100 people being arrested in London alone. The protests were staged under the title “Enough is Enough” with protesters chanting “We want our country back” and “Oh Tommy Robinson” along with other anti-immigrant slogans.
The Southport Stabbings Perpetrator Has Been Named to Prevent Rioting
On 1st August, a teenager appeared in court, charged with the Southport stabbings knife attack. He has been named as 17 year old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana. Rudakubana. The teen has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.
While the defendant was not 18 at the time of the murders, he was just two weeks away from his 18th birthday, which would legally make him an adult. Given the events that followed the knife attack, Liverpool Judge, Andrew Menary KC, deemed it necessary to name the young man.
However, plans for more riots, protests and attacks have been uncovered across the nation. Far right politician, Nigel Farage, has struck out at Keir Starmer, blaming him for the unrest.
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court again on 25th October 2024 for a pre-trial preparation hearing. He will stand trial next year, charged with the Southport Stabbings.
Thoughts and Sympathies to the Victims and Families of This Awful Knife Attack
Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the senseless Stockport stabbings. The victims, their families and the local community will no doubt be affected for many years to come.
If you have been affected by violent crime as a victim, the parent of a victim or a witness, you can speak to Victim Support on 0808 168 9111. Alternatively, you can visit the Victim Support website or the Government victim and witness service website.
For mental health help and support, you can call The Samaritans on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
You may also be able to claim compensation. Compensation can families to cope with the trauma of violent crime.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme allows parents to claim on behalf of their children. Compensation is awarded for both physical and mental injuries related to violent crime. For example, a knife attack, which often results in serious injuries and leaves permanent scars.
For help and advice about claims with the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority), or to find out more information about CICA claims, you can call us on 0113 320 5000 or email @email
