Boy, 17, charged with murders of three young girls in Southport stabbing attack

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murders of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed on Monday.

Eight other children suffered knife wounds – with five of them in a critical condition – while two adults were also critically hurt.

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Speaking at a late-night press conference, Merseyside Police said the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of all of those affected by these harrowing events.”

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Merseyside Police to charge a 17-year-old boy, of Banks Lancashire, with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder following the tragic incident that took place in Southport this week.

“He will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Thursday August 1 2024.”