UK Stabbing Horror: Third Child Dies

Third minor dies in brutal UK stabbing.. 

Tragedy strikes at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in northern England, leaving three children dead and several injured. A 17-year-old suspect is in custody, and the community is in shock. Read more about the devastating incident and the reactions from leaders and the public.

Tragedy struck again as Alice Dasilva Aguiar, a young victim of the mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in northern England, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, July 30.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the scene of the devastating knife attack in Southport, near Liverpool, which occurred on Monday, July 30, leaving seven people critically injured, including five children and two adults. Three other children were also injured in the attack, which Starmer described as a tragedy that “touches a nerve” with the entire nation. He joined numerous others in paying tribute to the victims and offering condolences to their families.

Starmer thanked emergency workers who responded to the stabbing spree and said “I came here to pay my respects to the victims and families who are going through raw pain and grief that most of us can't imagine, i can't imagine, as a dad myself.”

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, a 9-year-old victim of the mass stabbing, passed away in the hospital on Tuesday, July 30, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

The two other victims who lost their lives in the attack on Monday, July 29, were identified as 6-year-old Bebe King and 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe. A 17-year-old suspect from a nearby village was taken into custody shortly after the incident and remains in police custody, with his identity still undisclosed.

According to the police, the investigation into the mass stabbing attack has found no evidence of terrorism, and no additional suspects are being pursued. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper assured that the authorities are thoroughly exploring all possible leads.

Taylor Swift, the American pop star whose music was the theme of the dance event, expressed her shock and devastation on Instagram. She wrote, “I'm completely in shock...the loss of life and innocence, and the terrible trauma experienced by everyone. These were just little kids at a dance class. I'm at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

The third victim, 9-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, was the daughter of Portuguese parents from Madeira, adding an international dimension to the tragedy.

Portugal's communities minister, Jose Cesario said, “Her parents are in a state of shock.”

Her family said in a tribute, “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.”

Bebe King's family said, “no words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

Southport is reeling in shock and grief, said local MP Patrick Hurley, describing the attack as the “most horrific atrocity” the town has witnessed in living memory. He emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, where everyone will be deeply affected by the tragedy.

Local resident Hassan, whose daughter was in a nearby nursery that went into lockdown, expressed relief that her child was safe, but acknowledged the devastating reality for many other parents. She poignantly noted, “Unfortunately, that's not the case for many parents waking up today.”

Eyewitness Colin Parry, a local business owner, recounted a harrowing scene, saying he saw “about 10 kids running past him, all bleeding” in the aftermath of the attack, a traumatic experience that will likely leave a lasting impact on the community.

“One of them collapsed on the ground outside the neighbor's house,” he said.

The 17-year-old suspect, arrested for murder and attempted murder, is a resident of Banks village, but was born in Cardiff, according to police. His identity remains undisclosed to the public.

Police have warned against speculating on the incident's details, stating that a name circulating on social media is incorrect. They urged caution to avoid spreading misinformation while the investigation is ongoing.

The attacker arrived at the scene on Monday, July 29, by taxi, wearing a mask to conceal his identity. He was later apprehended by armed officers, who seized a knife, bringing an end to the harrowing incident.

Following the attack, armed officers swiftly detained the suspect and recovered a knife, bringing the situation under control.

The incident has evoked painful memories of the 1996 Dunblane school massacre, where 16 students and their teacher lost their lives in Britain's deadliest mass shooting. While such tragedies are rare, Monday's event has sent shockwaves across the nation.

King Charles III extended his “most heartfelt condolences, prayers, and deepest sympathies” to the families and community affected by the “utterly horrific” incident, offering comfort and support during this difficult time.

Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, expressed their heartfelt sympathy, saying: “As parents ourselves, we can't begin to comprehend the unbearable pain and grief that the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims in Southport are experiencing today.”