A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder after three little girls were stabbed in Southport.

Merseyside Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy from Banks has been charged with the murders of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar; 10 counts of attempted murder; and Possession of a bladed article, following the tragic incident in Southport on Monday, July 29.

At around 11.50am police were called to reports of “multiple stabbings” at a property in Hart Street where a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was taking place.

As it currently stands eight more children with injuries are in hospital with five in critical condition. Two adults are also in hospital still with critical injuries.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as he is under 18, has been remanded in custody to appear today, Thursday, August 1 at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Derby Square.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "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 Policing North West (CTPNW).

“I would like to thank all of the forces who have offered and supplied support to Merseyside Police during the last three days and I can confirm that we are being supported with investigative resources from across the North West."