Southport to receive £5.6m support after attacks

Communities in Southport affected by last summer's knife attack in which three young girls were killed are to receive £5.6m in government funding.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed and 10 others were hurt in the attack in the town on on 29 July.

Almost £2m will be used to support children through schools, particularly those with complex emotional needs.

The money, which is part of the government's Community Recovery Fund, will also support local communities and businesses directly affected as well as the wider Southport economy.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, the leader of Sefton Council, said: "We've been really appreciative of the support from the government and this funding will go towards the immediate priorities as we continue to come to terms with what has happened."

Southport's MP Patrick Hurley said the community had faced "tough times in the past few months" and he was "glad to see that the Prime Minister is committed to helping Southport".

"Following the attack in July, he promised to collaborate with me and the council to aid in Southport's recovery," Mr Hurley said.

"This announcement proves that he is true to his word and highlights the effectiveness of working together across all levels of government."

The news was also welcomed by the Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram who said he was "incredibly grateful to the government for stepping up to provide this vital support for Southport".

"This funding will make a real difference to the lives of those affected by the tragic events, helping families access the psychological support they need and enabling the community to begin healing," he said.

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