All the children under the care of Alder Hey following last Monday’s Southport attack have now been “safely discharged home”, the children’s hospital has said.
Three children, six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, died as a result of the attack at The Hart Space community centre on Monday, 29 July.
Five other children were left in a critical condition after the attack, while three were described as injured – with their exact conditions unknown.
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They were treated in hospitals across Liverpool and Manchester.
On Tuesday, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool, said they were “really pleased” to say those “who were under our care have now been safely discharged home from Alder Hey”.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in responding to the incident or caring for anyone affected by it, especially our colleagues in the NHS, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service,” they added.
“We also want to say thank you to all who sent well-wishes to Alder Hey and to the families affected.
“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those impacted by last week’s tragic events.”
Tributes on the junction of Tithebarn Road and Hart Street in Southport. Pic: PA
Hundreds of people attended a peaceful vigil in Southport a week on from the stabbings on Monday, with children blowing bubbles and others leaving flowers and heart-shaped balloons.
Many bubbles were donated by local shops, arcades, charities and families of the victims, the event’s organiser said.
Teddy bears and toys were among the other gifts left in memory of the victims at the “Swifties Bubble Blow – Kisses To Heaven” event.
Many of the children at the vigil were dressed in pink, with some leaving chalk messages on the pavement in front of The Atkinson arts centre in Southport town centre.
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Bubbles blown in Southport tribute
Axel Rudakubana, who turns 18 on Wednesday, is accused of the stabbings.
Despite being under the age of 18, Judge Andrew Menary KC lifted reporting restrictions that had prevented the naming of Rudakubana on Thursday.
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He said this was necessary to stop the spread of “misinformation” after a false name circulated online had led to disorder and violence on the streets of Southport.
A plea and trial preparation hearing for Rudakubana has been set for 25 October at Liverpool Crown Court, with a provisional trial date, lasting six weeks, scheduled for 20 January next year.