The Southport stabbing suspect who has been charged with the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club has appeared in court.
Arriving in a prison van with a large police escort of vans and cars, he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates's Court this morning (1 August) and was remanded into youth detention accommodation.
Judge Hatton sent the case to the crown court.
He was brought into the dock around 11:45am, covering his mouth and nose with his jumper.
The 17-year-old suspect reportedly was asked to confirm his name but didn't speak and then sat down with his head bowed.
Three children were fatally stabbed when a knifeman entered the dance class on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.
Eight other children suffered knife wounds and two adults were also injured in the incident. This morning, two of the children injured were discharged with five others still being treated.
Alder Hey said in a statement: "All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition. Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those affected by Monday’s incident."
“A 17-year old-boy from Banks has been charged with the murders of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the tragic incident in Southport on Monday July 29," Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Serena Kennedy said yesterday.
“The 17 year old cannot be named for legal reasons as he’s under 18.
“He has been remanded in custody to appear (today), Thursday August 1, at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Derby Square.
“Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and counter-terrorism police in the North West.”
As heard in court this morning, the suspect turns 18 in six days.
He was born in Cardiff and lives in the village of Banks, just outside of Southport.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, added: “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
This comes after riots have erupted throughout the country, including outside of a mosque in Southport on Tuesday.
Three police officers and three police dogs were injured in the riots.
Also, in Whitehall, London, bottles and cans were thrown at police who were in riot gear on Wednesday.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions.
“Some officers suffered minor injuries.”
In Hartlepool, demonstrators set fire to a police car and pelted officers with missiles, including glass bottles. Cleveland Police have since made eight arrests.
Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: “At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.
“Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.”
Additional words by Jess Battison.
Featured Image Credit: PA/DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Anish Vij