Southport MP Patrick Hurley
Southport MP Patrick Hurley urged the community to give support and strength to the families affected by yesterday’s attack.
Three young girls have died from injuries sustained when a knife man entered a dance and yoga class and eight children were injured. Five of those children remain in critical condition, as do two adults.
Speaking to Stand up for Southport, Mr Hurley described the attack as “the worst atrocity Southport has seen in living memory.”
He said: “The town is going through a range of emotions. People are feeling fear, anger and grief. Most of all people are feeling confusion and I think we need to give people space to articulate that emotion.”
The MP, who was elected earlier this month, encouraged people to make use of the facilities opened by community groups, such as the safe space offered by Southport FC. He also urged those with information to contact the police and warned the public not to engage with information or misinformation online.
He said: “What we need to do as well is make sure that we offer support and solidarity and strength to the families involved here. Southport’s a very small town, everyone will be affected by this.
“There will be families who have kids involved and who know the kids there and this could have happened to any one of our families.
“These were kids on the first weekend almost of the summer holidays, at a dance class for heaven’s sake. It’s just beyond belief that little kiddies went to a dance class on a summer’s day and [three] of them never came home.
“That’s just unconscionable. We need to be there for those families and be respectful for what they need around them.”
This morning, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the town and placed down flowers alongside Mr Hurley.
Speaking to Sky News, she said: “I think it’s just unimaginable what’s happened in this devastating and horrific attack and I think all of our thoughts will be with the families who have been affected, loved ones who have been lost and the children who are injured and it’s really important they all get all the support they need.
“I have been meeting with some of the first responders, the emergency services, the police, fire service and paramedics who were there yesterday and had to respond with great bravery to make sure that more lives were not lost and I thank them for the work that they did.
“There is also a serious criminal investigation underway now but everyone’s thoughts will be with those injured children and just praying for them.”
Merseyside Police today said the 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder is still being held in police custody. The force has also issued a plea for the public to stop speculating and spreading false information about the incident.
A police spokesperson said: “This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it. Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Victim Care officers will be at the Community Support Centre set up at Southport FC from 10am-6pm today to support those affected.
“Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support. Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
“You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”
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