Southport mourns one month on from knife attack
Thousands of tributes are still in place for Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar as the town continues to grieve
Last updated 18th Dec 2024
One month on from the devastating attack at a dance party, Southport's streets are lined with pink ribbons, with countless flowers, tributes, and toys laid out at The Atkinson.
Thousands came to the square to pay their respects during a vigil the day after the incident, with more visiting in the days and weeks that followed.
On Monday 29 July - six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar had been attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Hart Street when the deadly attack took place, killing the three girls and injuring many more.
Local priest, Father John Heneghan, has called the community response since that day 'stunning'
He said: "To see the essential goodness in so people in the midst of the horror that was so uplifting and gave a lot of hope. And there are so many examples of that.
"There's no getting over it but coming to find eventually some kind of peace, that can happen in time but there is no time length to it.
"So we just need to walk with each other and be gentle and patient. We're still in shock."
The vigil outside of The Atkinson has become a place for the community to pay their respects and remember the three girls who tragically lost their lives.
Jonathan Rigby is one of the many Law Street in Bloom volunteers who've been helping to maintain its beauty.
He said: "It's the least we can do as the group.
"The whole of Southport we've pulled together as a community and its surprising how much of a togetherness there is within the community, its beyond words.
"A lot of people of all ages have turned up and they've just stood here looking at the flowers and their eyes are just filling up with tears.
"They're not even saying any words its just tears and you can see the anguish and how much it's affected them. It's a tough time."
Jonathan added: "I see it as an honour and a privilege, it makes me feel part of something special."