The seaside city of Southport, England, is mourning the loss of three young girls who were killed in a disturbing knife attack while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class Monday — and praying that the other victims will recover from their serious injuries.
“I can hardly talk about it,” resident Kian Wright told The Post.
“It’s a nightmare for everyone. This isn’t a big city, and everyone knows someone who was affected by this. There are a lot of people praying for everyone, everyone is checking in with each other to make sure they’re all right.
“The whole thing is sickening and devastating,” Wright added.
Those sentiments have echoed throughout the region 30 minutes north of Liverpool since dozens of children and adults attending what was supposed to be a fun time were violently knifed by a 17-year-old suspect, police said.
The teen, who arrived in a taxi, also attacked any adults who attempted to protect the little girls.
“It is hard to put into words the horror, anger and hurt today’s awful attack has left us all feeling,” Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram said in a statement.
“These were young people with their whole lives ahead of them. What was meant to be a carefree dance class has been visited by unspeakable evil.”
Police have identified the three girls who have died from their injuries: Bebe King, 6; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9.
Two others are in serious condition, and at least six other children and adults are also being treated for their injuries.
Hundreds of people have erected a shrine of flowers, photos, teddy bears and toys in the aftermath of the horrifying crime.
“We can’t stop crying in our house,” Sophia Webb shared.
“To have something like that hit so close to home … there really aren’t many words to say about it, are there? All we can do is cry.”
As the reality of the slain girls has sunk in, many Southport residents are going through a wide range of emotions — and some clashed with police after hijacking a peaceful vigil attended by hundreds.
Twenty-two cops were injured in the melee as the crowd lit a police van on fire and threw bottles and stones at officers.
Eleven were taken to the hospital and at least one suffered a broken nose, officials said.
But for most Southport inhabitants, it’s a time for sadness, not violence.
“There are little girls who we don’t know if they’re going to live or die,” Webb said.
“That’s where my heart is now. Those children and the adults. Everyone who’s hurting … my heart just goes out to them.”
