Southport stabbings: Riot breaks out as far right supporters clash with police

Tommy Fleetwood was left reeling by the “horrific” knife attack in his hometown of Southport on Monday that left three children dead and five other youngsters in a critical condition. Fleetwood is preparing for his second Olympic appearance for Team GB at Le Golf National this week but events in the place where the golfer was born and raised have sent shockwaves through the UK. Find the full story HERE.

Detectives investigating the mass stabbing at a Southport holiday club that left three children dead have been granted more time to question the 17-year-old suspect. Find the full story HERE.

Lytham Windmill was also lit up in pink in

Sharing a picture of the landmark on Facebook, Fylde Council said: “Sending our most heartfelt condolences to our neighbours across the estuary in Southport.

“Lytham Windmill will light up pink tonight in support of all of those affected.”

Blackpool Tower was lit up in white and pink last night in tribute to those killed and injured in Monday’s stabbings in Southport.

Last night, a spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “We are sending love to Southport.

“Tonight we are lighting The Blackpool Tower in white and pink as a visible show of support for the families of those affected by this terrible tragedy and for the people of Southport who are comforting them.

“With love and deepest sympathy from Blackpool x”

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”.

https://www.lep.co.uk/news/first-pictures-of-victims-of-fatal-stabbings-at-southports-taylor-swift-holiday-club-as-families-pay-tribute-4722898

Merseyside Police have issued a warning after an “incorrect” name for the alleged Southport attacker was widely circulated online.

https://www.lep.co.uk/news/merseyside-police-issue-warning-after-southport-attacker-wrongly-named-by-people-online-4723207

A Taylor Swift fan whose fundraiser for the families and victims of the Southport attack has raised almost £60,000 hopes to relieve them of any “financial burden” while they grieve.

Cristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, started a JustGiving page which has received donations from fans worldwide via the Alder Hay Children’s Charity which supports the hospital where some of the victims are being treated.

“What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,” Ms Jones told the PA news agency.

“It feels really nice we’ve done something really positive.

“I firmly believe there’s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they’re going through right now, but if we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it’s nice to know that we’ve done what we can do.”

Ms Jones said it was “really lovely” to see US singer Swift share a statement on Instagram paying tribute to the victims, adding: “She’s bringing it to attention and letting the families know she’s well aware and is thinking of them.”

Staff from Natterjacks Day Nursery laid flowers and a heart-shaped artwork, decorated with children’s handprints at the cordon on Hart Street.

A message on the artwork said: “The brightest stars are now dancing with the angels in heaven.

“Shine bright little ones, we will never forget your smiles and laughter.”

People, including children, continued to arrive throughout the morning to lay tributes.

Some were in tears as they walked away.

Taylor Swift says she is "completely in shock" after children attending a dance class inspired by her music were attacked in Southport.

The singer, 34, said in a handwritten post on Instagram that she was in ‘complete shock’.

You can read her full statement here.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made a statement on the attacks in the House of Commons today, after earlier laying flowers at the police cordon.

She said “it’s important that police pursue every single avenue” after three children died in a mass stabbing in Southport.

Merseyside Police previously said the attack on Hart Street, which also left five other children and two adults in a critical condition, was not being treated as terror-related.

Asked why, the Home Secretary said: “There is a serious criminal investigation underway because this was a horrific attack.

“It’s important that police pursue every single avenue and that is what Merseyside police are now doing.

“I support Merseyside police in that work, but it’s immensely important that they need to be able to continue that and they will provide updates.

“You’ll understand that I’m not going to say anything that would cut across their investigation or prejudice that investigation as I take that investigation immensely seriously into this truly horrific attack.”

A name for the alleged Southport knifeman which has been circulated on social media is “incorrect”, Merseyside Police said.

A police statement said: “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.”

The force added: “This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.”

A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after the Southport stabbings, Merseyside Police have confirmed today.

The motivation behind the knife attack in Southport “remains unclear”, according to police.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference: “The investigation is at its early stages and the motivation for the incident remains unclear.

“However, Counter-Terrorism Police North-West have offered their support to Merseyside Police as the full circumstances of what has happened are being established.

“At this moment in time, the investigation is not being treated as terrorist-related.”

North-West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin told a press conference the knife attack in Southport will leave a “lasting impact on the whole community”.

Mr Kitchin also confirmed 11 casualties were treated at what he described as a “devastating scene”.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “I am utterly shocked and devastated to hear about the truly appalling incident this morning in Southport.

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the young victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. I cannot even imagine the untold pain and heartache they are facing. My thoughts are also with all those who suffered injuries and who have been affected by this harrowing incident.

“To hear that innocent, defenceless children have been attacked during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school as they enjoyed the start of the school summer holidays is unthinkable and absolutely abhorrent.

“These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness.

“Our region will be heartbroken that more young lives have been lost at the hands of violence and more have suffered serious injuries, and I share local people’s deep concern and anguish.

“Thanks to the efforts of police officers, an arrest was made quickly and there is no wider threat to the public.”

The Prime Minister said: “The events today are just truly awful and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.

“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and with the wider community.

“It is impossible to imagine what they are going through right now.”

Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”