The final child injured during the Southport stabbings has been discharged from hospital as her family said they were “deeply saddened” by the disorder that has broken out since the attack.
The girl will continue her recovery at home, Merseyside Police said on Thursday.
She was one of five children and two adults who were seriously injured in the mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday dance class in Southport, shortly before lunchtime last Monday (July 29).
Three girls - Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven - died after the stabbing at the Hart Space.
The final victim to be discharged has been in hospital for 10 days, after being airlifted there.
Her family said on Thursday: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for their unwavering support and the extraordinary care they provided to our beloved daughter during this challenging time.
“We also extend our deepest thanks to the air ambulance team, whose swift response and expertise were crucial in airlifting her from the scene to the hospital. We know that their intervention saved her life.
“We were deeply saddened by the recent disorder and the attacks on our police force,” they added, referring to violence that has broken out in Southport and across the UK, including in London.
“It is important to highlight that when the horrific events unfolded, our police officers were the first on the scene. We are immensely grateful to the officers who stood by our daughter’s side, providing assistance and support until she was safely transported to the hospital.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our nation, especially for the families affected by these tragic events. We appreciate the continued support and compassion from everyone during this challenging period.
“While we are relieved that our daughter is on the path to recovery, our hearts go out to the families of Bebe, Alice and Elsie during this immensely painful time. Thank you.”
Inquests into the deaths of the three Southport stabbing victims were opened and quickly adjourned on Wednesday.
Adjourning the inquests to allow the criminal process to take place, coroner Julie Goulding said: “It is impossible to adequately articulate the devastating, lifelong effects the truly tragic events of Monday, July 29 2024 have had, and will continue to have, on the parents, families and friends of Elsie, Bebe and Alice, who cruelly lost their young lives in such horrific circumstances.
“The three young children were full of life and energy and will be missed beyond any description my woefully inadequate words may attempt to describe.
“I therefore offer my deepest condolences to Elsie’s, Bebe’s and Alice’s parents, families and friends, and those heartfelt condolences of all of my staff here at the coroner’s court.”
Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is set to stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
