Southport attack: Hospital issues major update on children injured in horror knifing
Three young girls were killed and several others injured when an attacker entered a pregnancy and community centre in Southport last Monday. The majority of the children who were injured in the attack were taken to Alder Hey for emergency care.
Southport attack: 17-year-old charged with murders of three girls
A hospital treating a number of children injured in the horrific attack in Southport that left three young girls dead have issued an update.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital has today announced that all children involved have now been discharged. The tragic event, which occurred last Monday at the Hart Space pregnancy and community centre on Hart Street, claimed the lives of three young girls - Bebe King, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, and Elsie Dot Stancombe - and left eight other children and two adults with serious injuries.
The majority of the injured children were rushed to Alder Hey for urgent medical attention, with five initially reported in critical condition. The hospital has now confirmed the recovery and discharge of all those in its care following the attack.
In a heartfelt statement released today from its East Prescot Road location, the hospital said: "We are really pleased to be able to share that all the children involved in last Monday's awful incident in Southport who were under our care have now been safely discharged from Alder Hey."
The statement continued: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in responding to the incident or caring for anyone affected by it, especially our colleagues in the NHS, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service. We also want to say thank you to all who sent well wishes to Alder hey and to the families affected. Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those affected by last Monday's tragic incident."
Merseyside Police have also confirmed that all victims of Monday's horrific attack have been discharged from hospital, with the exception of one child who is receiving care at a different facility. Among the injured was 35 year old Leanne Lucas, a yoga instructor who had organised the Taylor Swift dance party occurring at the time of the incident, reports the Liverpool Echo.
She has been hailed as a hero for protecting several children during the onslaught, which left her critically wounded.
Jonathan Hayes, who operates a business adjacent to the Hart Space dance studio where the tragedy unfolded, was also severely injured after being stabbed in the leg when he attempted to intervene.
Heidi Liddle, another teacher, has received commendation for her bravery. She reportedly hid children in a bathroom to shield them from the knife-wielding attacker.
17-year-old Axel Rudakubana has been charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He made his appearance before Liverpool Crown Court last Thursday, with a trial date set for January 20, 2025.
