LONDON – A tragic incident unfolded in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, as a third young girl succumbed to her injuries from a mass stabbing that occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. The victim, identified as 9-year-old Alice Aguiar, passed away in the hospital in the early hours of the morning, according to Merseyside Police. The two other victims who lost their lives on Monday were 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and 6-year-old Bebe King.
The incident left eight other children injured, five of whom were in critical condition as of Tuesday. Two adults who attempted to intervene and protect the children were also critically injured. The victims’ families are grappling with the devastating loss. Bebe King’s family expressed their grief, stating that no words could describe the devastation they were experiencing.
Alice Aguiar’s mother, Alexandra Aguiar, shared a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, whom she referred to as “Princess Alice.” She expressed her profound grief and pain, stating that her soul, body, and mind were hurting. She lamented the loss of her innocent child, whose life was abruptly taken away by a despicable act of violence.
The community has rallied around the grieving families, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $1,400 as of Tuesday morning. The fundraiser was initiated by the Benridge Care Group, where one of the victim’s parents is employed. The group described Alice as a part of their family, having participated in many of their activities and events.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is currently in police custody. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, authorities have stated that it is not being treated as a terror-related incident. The suspect, who has not been identified, reportedly entered the Hart Space in Southport, just outside Liverpool, wearing a black hood during the Taylor Swift-themed event.
The event, which was attended by at least 25 children aged between 6 and 11, turned into a scene of horror as the attacker reportedly arrived in a taxi and launched his brutal assault. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the attack as ferocious, leaving multiple people, including many children, with serious injuries.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift expressed her shock and grief over the incident. She described the horror of the attack as continuously washing over her and expressed her sympathies to the families of the victims.