Moment of silence held for Southport victims to mark first anniversary of horror knife attack that killed three girls
The Prime Minister said that the "whole nation" stands with the families of those affected, after a public vigil was held at 3pm today.
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Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the victims of the Southport stabbings a year on from the attack.
The horrifying attack claimed the lives of Bebe King, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
'One year on, the whole nation stands with the families of Bebe, Alice and Elsie', the Prime Minister said in a statement on X.
'We stand together in grief, in honour of the memory of those wonderful children, and in admiration of the families who have shown strength beyond words.
'We stand with all the children and adults who still bear the physical and mental scars of that day – and in awe of those who risked their lives to help.
'And we stand with the people of Southport, who have shown Britain the meaning of community. The nation wants to put its arms around you all.
'We will come together today to show our sorrow and solidarity. But also to show our determination to uphold the true legacy of Bebe, Alice and Elsie – one of joy, kindness and love.'
A vigil was held in Southport Town Hall gardens at 3pm, where several bunches of flowers were left in a special area for tributes.
A teddy bear was also left amongst the flowers in tribute to Alice, Elsie and Bebe.
Council notices were pinned to trees in the gardens, encouraging people to donate to local causes.
Dads of Southport victims run London Marathon
The notices said: 'The events which took place in Southport in July 2024 were truly shocking and members of our communities continue to be affected by what happened.'
'There remains a wealth of support available for people to access via www.sefton.gov.uk/southporttogether.'
Ahead of the vigil, Merseyside Police officers announced they would be in attendance to "stand in solidarity" with the Southport victims.
In a post on its social media accounts, the force said: 'One year on, words still fall short.
'The loss we all feel today as we remember Alice, Elsie and Bebe remains immeasurable.
'We stand with their families, friends, those who were injured and the many others affected by what happened on that tragic day.
'At 3pm our officers and staff will be standing in solidarity to observe a three-minute silence in memory of the three girls and all those involved.
'May we continue to honour their memory with kindness, compassion and the strength of togetherness.
'Alice, Elsie and Bebe will forever be in our hearts.'
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