Southport attack tributes to be removed

Residents are being asked to remove tributes they put up after the Southport knife attack, as the council said seeing them has become "emotionally challenging" for some of those affected.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed and 10 others were hurt after an attacker entered a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on on 29 July.

Sefton Council said it had begun writing to private homes and businesses asking for temporary displays to be taken down.

Children's Services executive director Risthardh Hare said a permanent tribute was being considered to show the council's "unwavering support" for all those affected by the killings.

Although the local tributes had been comforting in the town, "some members of the community are now finding it emotionally challenging to see these tributes every day," Mr Hare said.

Public displays will also be removed in the coming weeks.

The council said communities around Sefton had been "incredible in showing their support and compassion for everyone affected".

"We will make sure the community is kept up to date with works [for a long-term tribute] as and when the time is right," Mr Hare added.

In August, Cardiff-born Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, was charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

The defendant, from Banks, is next due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 25 October.

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