Council to address impact of Southport stabbings

The meeting will be the first time councillors have convened since the stabbings

Councillors will hold an extraordinary meeting later to address the impact of the Southport stabbings on the Merseyside town.

The Sefton Council meeting will also be an opportunity for the area’s elected representatives to formally offer condolences to the families affected, and to thank the emergency services.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven all died in the 29 July knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Eight children and two adults were also injured.

The meeting will be the first time councillors have convened since the killings and will take place before the official full council meeting.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King died after the attack on 29 July

It will also include a statement from the mayor of Sefton and will acknowledge the bravery and help offered by members of the general public – not only during the stabbing but also in supporting people and communities afterwards.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside councillor Paulette Lappin praised the "incredible bravery" of the emergency services.

"We're entirely and completely indebted to our blue light services, police, ambulance and fire, and all those people who came out to try and save those children and do their very best," she said.

"They are incredibly brave and some of them were faced the next day with the most awful and disgusting riotous behaviour so they again came to our needs and our protection so we are there to thank them and to be absolutely grateful for what they did for us."

The council is also planning to host a civic reception in the autumn to recognise and acknowledge a range of individuals, professionals and organisations.