Section 60 Order in Southport extended after fatal stabbings

At around 11.50am on Monday, July 29 Merseyside Police were called to reports of “multiple stabbings” at a property in Hart Street where a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was taking place.

The fully-booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.

Merseyside Police confirmed the names of the three girls who were tragically killed as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Eight more children with injuries are in hospital with five in critical condition. Two adults are also in hospital still with critical injuries.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been charged with murder of the three little girls, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article, following the tragic incident.

Now Merseyside Police have been given additional powers to search suspects in the area.

The Section 60 Order was introduced at 5pm on Wednesday, July 31 until 5pm today (Thursday, August 1) and extra officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities.

Section 60 map (Image: Merseyside Police)

The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced powers to stop and search individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

It has been introduced following the disorder witnessed in Southport on Tuesday night and to prevent any further incidents of disorder or criminality.

The area incorporates the entirety of Southport Town centre, including Sussex Road and St Luke’s Road and covers the villages of Ainsdale, Hillside and Birkdale.

Community Inspector Doug Chadwick said: “The scenes we saw last night in Southport were disgraceful, and these extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality are just one tool at our disposal as we seek to keep the public safe.

“We are asking for the help of a community we know was left shocked and disappointed by the actions of those who engaged in disorder last night. You can be our eyes and ears and tell us what you have seen so that we can take positive action.

“People living in Southport can expect to see a continued and visible police presence. I hope their continued presence is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.”

Any person with information about criminality and disorder, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.

You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.