Council asks for tributes to Southport stabbing victims to be removed

Sefton Council has asked for any remaining tributes to the victims of the Southport stabbing to be removed as residents are finding them 'emotionally challenging'.

The knife attack on July 29 at a Taylor Swift dance class left three children dead - six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year- old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. Eight other children and two adults were injured in the incident.

In the days after the attack, thousands of tributes, including teddy bears, flowers, ribbons and candles, were left at the scene on Hart Street and at other locations in the Merseyside town.

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Now, Sefton Council is contacting properties and businesses to encourage them to remove any remaining temporary tributes. Council officers will also be "sensitively removing" any temporary tributes from street furniture such as benches and lamp posts, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Risthardh Hare, Sefton Council's executive director of children's services, said: "We understand from speaking to those affected that they have found incredible comfort in these tributes over recent weeks. However we are aware that these tributes are only temporary and some members of the community are now finding it emotionally challenging to see these tributes every day.

"Work has begun to look at a long-term permanent tribute as part of Sefton Council's unwavering support for all families and those affected by the tragedy and we will make sure the community is kept up to date with these works as and when the time is right.

"With that in mind we are kindly asking people to sensitively remove their temporary tributes."