One Year On - Southport Remembers

AT around 11.45, am on 29 July 2024, a "ferocious" knife attack took place at a Taylor Swift themed children's dance class on Heart Street in Southport. This indescribable act of violence resulted in a string of victims with serious stab wounds and 3 innocent girls dead.

On the 1st anniversary of the senseless killings, Southport's community came together again, along with the parents, family, and friends of those involved, to honour the memory of the 3 young girls.

Sefton Council lowered flags to half mast on the Town Hall in memory of the 3 girls. We are told flags were also lowered across the Liverpool City Region, including at Southport's Community Fire Station, which also held an act of remembrance outside.

1 year on and the loss of Alice, Elsie,, and Bebe remains immeasurable for their devastated families. Speaking before the event one of those helping said:- "As a Town, we wished to demonstrate that the families and those affected will never walk alone, and will continue to be supported by the community."

This event was informal and unscripted, as you can see in the video footage. As the Atkinsons' clock chimed 3 pm, a 3 Minutes Silence was held. Shops also held the silence as did others who could safely do so.

Following the act of remembrance, the crowds that had gathered for the vigil clapped, and some then laid floral tributes within a specially designated area, on the Town Hall Gardens.

In a statement by Sefton Council, they said:- "The shared grief, countless acts of kindness and especially the commitment to honouring the memory of:- Alice, Bebe, and Elsie have meant more than words can express. Your compassion has been a source of comfort to all affected through the darkest days. As always, support remains available to anyone affected by the events of last July, and people will be available at the various local reflective spaces to offer help and guidance to anyone who may need it. You can access support by visiting:- Sefton.Gov.UK/SouthportTogether."

MP Patrick Hurley said:- "My thoughts are primarily with the families of:- Bebe, Alice and Elsie; families who have been through so much pain these last twelve months. Today is a day to pause to remember those innocent lives lost in the attack, and also to honour the extraordinary courage of the first responders who risked everything to help others. My thoughts, just like those of the rest of Southport, are with the families, friends, and communities who continue to carry the weight of that day. Southport stands in solemn remembrance, united in grief but also in hope. In reflecting on such tragedy, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, compassion, and resilience. These values must continue to guide us, even in the darkest of times. Let us never forget the lives taken, and let us always strive to build a world defined not by hatred, but by unity and understanding."

A spokes person for the Southport Hesketh Round Table has said:- "Over the next few weeks, the families affected are doing their best to carry on, some are taking time away, going on holiday to escape the media attention and the painful memories, while others are simply trying to find moments of peace in their day to day lives. The strength and resilience these families have shown is nothing short of extraordinary."

There are still events and activities taking place, and people continue to ask how they can help. If you want to help those affected by the attack, you can still do so. The Southport Hesketh Round Table is still running a GoFundMe page, which has raised over �180,000 to date. This page is remaining open because their journey of those affected by the tragic events of:- 29 July 2024 is not over. The money raised helps the victims and their families to try to rebuild their lives following this horrific incident. To make a donation to the Southport Hesketh Round Table GoFundMe Page, please click on this link:- GoFund.Me/8157328c.

Do not fly drones or paramotors near airfields!

DID you know that it's illegal to fly a drone or paramotor in the vicinity of an airfield, including both:- RAF Woodvale and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, without prior permission?

All airfields are surrounded by a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) that is active 24/7.

These FRZs are critical to aviation safety and must not be breached without approval.

To fly a drone within the vicinity of the airport, you must contact the relevant department.

For more information, visit Liverpool Airport's website, and for RAF Woodvale, contact the airfield on:- 01704872287 x 7234, for instructions..

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One Year On - Southport Remembers

Do not fly drones or paramotors near airfields!