Stabbing of 3 girls, violence near Southport mosque: All you need to know

A horrific stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, northwest England, has left three young girls dead and eight others injured. The attack, which occurred at a community center, shocked the nation and led to widespread grief and outrage. In the aftermath, tensions flared, resulting in violent clashes between far-right protesters and police near a local mosque.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male, was arrested shortly after the attack.While police have confirmed that the attack is not being treated as terrorism-related, misinformation and false rumors have fueled anger, leading to violent protests. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, urging calm and unity as the community mourns the tragic loss of innocent lives.

Here is all you need to know:
What happened in Southport?
On Monday, a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport resulted in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to eight others. The attacker, a 17-year-old male, entered the dance studio and began stabbing attendees.
Who were the victims?
The victims were identified as Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. Alice's parents described her as their "princess" and said, "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our princess." Bebe King's family expressed their devastation, stating, "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family."

What led to the violent clashes?
Following the attack, fueled by false online rumors, protesters encircled the Southport Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, shouting "English till I die" as they hurled bottles and stones at cops, set a police van ablaze, and injured 22 officers. The protesters were believed to be supporters of the English Defence League.
What did the police say about the suspect?
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said, "There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody." Police clarified that the suspect, born in Britain, was not an asylum seeker as some rumors claimed.
How did the community respond?
The community held a peaceful vigil to mourn the victims, but it was overshadowed by the violence that erupted later. Local leaders called for calm and unity. June Burns, the mayor of the Sefton region, urged people to be good to one another, stating, "It’s unbelievable that we find ourselves laying flowers for little girls who just wanted to dance."
What was Prime Minister Keir Starmer's response?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, calling it "thuggery" and stating, "Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves." He also emphasized the importance of addressing knife crime in the country.
What is the significance of this incident in the context of UK knife crime?
The Southport attack is one of the most shocking incidents involving children in recent years. The rise in knife crime has been a growing concern in the UK, with calls for the government to take stronger action against bladed weapons. The attack has reignited debates about knife crime and public safety.
How did Taylor Swift react to the incident?
Taylor Swift expressed her shock and sorrow on Instagram, saying, "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." Her fans have raised over £250,000 to support the victims' families and the hospital treating the injured.
What measures are being taken to prevent further violence?
Police have been deployed to maintain order and prevent further clashes. Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading false information and to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation. The Liverpool Region Mosque Network called for unity and condemned the violence, stating, "A minority of people are attempting to portray that this inhumane act is somehow related to the Muslim community. Frankly, it is not."
(With inputs from agencies)