Southport won't be defined by evil attacks - nor will it forget them
Plus: Beware those who seek to exploit this tragedy
Hello and welcome to the fourth edition of The Southport Lead.
The focus of today’s newsletter had originally intended to be something completely different but the events of Monday, when Axel Rudakubana finally admitted being responsible for the horrific attacks last summer, meant it was only right to discuss that instead.
It’s not as easy subject to write about and I know it’s not as easy one to read about either. For so many in the town, the start of the trial was a date which was utterly dreaded. The idea of the horrific details of July 29 being laid bare in great detail while the man responsible watched on was incredibly hard to contemplate.
The idea the victims’ families and the people who found themselves suddenly involved in harrowing circumstances would have to relive it in a court setting was even worse.
Thankfully, that has now been avoided - though there are still the prospects of inquests and a public inquiry to follow.
I don’t intend to go into great detail on the events of that day here but instead to focus on the lasting effects on those involved and on the wider community, as well as looking at what will come next. Answers may never come but are still desperately needed.
Soon, the news cycle will move on and those left behind will be left to try and live their lives as best as they can. That is what this newsletter tries to focus on.
Guilty pleas bring temporary relief but Southport “will never be the same”
In the run up to Monday, when a trial was due to be held over the killings of three young girls and attempted killings of eight more and two adults, a sense of dread filled many in Southport.
The trial would bring up everything that happened on July 29, only with more harrowing details pushed into the public consciousness on a daily basis over a number of weeks. While it’s right that these things are reported, for those who want to avoid them it can be extremely difficult to see them seemingly take over TV channels, radio broadcasts and social media feeds.
As MP Patrick Hurley said this week, Southport “will never be the same”. Those living here would rather be associated not with the UK’s most deadly attack since the Dunblane massacre and not with the shameful riots which followed, but instead with the community response which included a hugely attended vigil, street clean ups and repairs, fundraisers and support events.
That doesn’t mean forgetting what happened that day, but instead finding a way to honour and pay tribute to the victims without being defined by it.
In the days leading up, workplaces sent emails to staff both offering support and warning of the importance of not discussing the case publicly, while people offered support and solidarity in WhatsApp messages and Facebook posts.
Ultimately, the trauma felt by Southport residents who either knew of those involved or just found it too close to home to comprehend pales into insignificance compared to families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar.
It was they who would be forced to relive their worst nightmare in a court during a trial most people could scarcely believe was happening. In forcing that trial, Axel Rudakubana was inflicting yet more pain on people whose lives had already been torn apart in unimaginable circumstances.
When those guilty pleas were issued on Monday - along with guilty pleas to production of a biological toxin and possessing a terrorist handbook - the need for that trial ended.
Those guilty please don’t undo the suffering caused. Or prevent the fact that those linked to the attack have to live with a lifetime of loss and pain but they have taken away one additional layer of trauma.
A spokesperson for Child Bereavement UK, a charity that supports bereaved families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies, told The Southport Lead: “When someone dies by homicide, the emotional impact of the sudden, violent loss is enormous for the family, friends and the wider community.
“Media attention and formal processes can add an extra layer of distress and complexity to what is already a devastating situation and can delay opportunities for people to grieve.
“Grief is a lifelong experience and bereavement support from an experienced professional who can support the family in a way that feels right for them can help during this very difficult time and as they continue to face the future without their precious child. “
Across the town, many felt a sense of relief that the spotlight would move away and that those involved - the victims, the families, those nearby who responded heroically, the emergency workers - would not have to go through the ordeal of a trial.
Among those expressing a desire for the focus to be on the victims and not the killer is Adam Phillips who runs a local football league and whose daughter lost a friend in the attack. Through the Hightown JFL, he plans to help raise funds towards the Elsie’s Story charity.
He said: “Whilst no justice will ever be enough, today has meant that the families don’t have to relive that day again in the midst of a full trial.
“Those impacted have remained quiet and dignified out of respect, in order to maintain the integrity of the trial and secure a safe prosecution. It has been incredibly difficult to read various conspiracy theories online which felt like the real victims had at times been forgotten.
“What has been abundantly clear throughout is that this evil person has thrived from the notoriety and attention he has gained throughout this process. I will therefore not give him the satisfaction of even using his name.
“The biggest punishment for him would be knowing that he has faded into insignificance, whilst the world is united remembering the three beautiful girls who are a perfect representation of a society we should all strive to live in.”
Among the heroes to respond that day, one man who sheltered several of the fleeing children in his home explained why he was glad the trial would no longer go ahead.
Speaking to ITV News, he was asked for his reaction to the guilty pleas and said: “Relief that he’s pleaded guilty for the fact that the families don’t have to go to court and go through it day after day after day to hear what we already knew that he was guilty. It was him. It wasn’t anybody else.
“He’s left devastation to them poor kids’ families. That’s never going to be put right. It doesn’t matter how long they put him in prison for. They are going to suffer for the rest of their lives.
“They’re the people I feel sorry for.”
Explaining the lasting effects of what he witnessed, Steve said he wakes up screaming as a result of seeing the children in his sleep but says is comforted by cards which were given to him by those kids.
He also refused to consider himself a hero, insisting he only did what anyone else would have. He added: “My heart goes out to the three families who lost their children on that day. I just hope things get better for them somehow. How, I don’t know but somehow I just hope things go well for them.
“Hopefully now for me, I can put a lid on it. But they haven’t got that option.”
For Hurley, who had been elected just weeks before the attack took place, the guilty pleas are a “step closer to justice”.
He said: “There will be no celebrations or jubilation today, but today marks a milestone along the way as our town begins to recover.
“Southport will never be the same after the devastating attack at the heart of our community and the loss of three of our town's daughters. I am very grateful that the culprit will now face justice after Thursday's sentencing hearing for the murder of those three young girls and the attempted murder of ten others.
“This horrific attack has left scars on our community, but it is in times like these that we must come together to support the families who have endured an unimaginable loss. I have been humbled by the strength and unity of our town. I have been proud to see the best of our community in the past six months, organising vigils, laying flowers, and rebuilding our town after the riots that followed the attack, and I know that we can continue to heal and support each other after today's hearing.
“More widely, questions need to be answered about how and why the killer was able to launch the attack, when his behaviour and interests were evidently cause for concern for law enforcement over a long period. I strongly support measures to get to the bottom of how the state failed so catastrophically.
“Today, most of all, is a day we remember the victims and the devastating consequences for the families of those affected. We will always remember the children, the adults who protected them, and all of those affected by this horrific attack.”
Public inquiry launched into Southport attack
A public inquiry will be held to examine the failings which led to the Southport attack.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the inquiry with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisting that “the names of those three young girls are not associated with the vile perpetrator, but instead with a fundamental change in how Britain protects its citizens and its children”.
Starmer said the inquiry would examine why there was no intervention on any of the three times the teenage killer was referred to Prevent - the official national programme to identify those feared to be falling for terrorist ideologies.
He also said it could lead to a redefinition of terrorism, with this case not classified that way due to the lack of any apparent political motivation.
Starmer said alongside the known threat of groups such as Al-Qaeda, there is now the issue of “extreme violence perpetrated by loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom, accessing all manner of material online, desperate for notoriety”.
He continued: “When I look at the details of this case. The extreme nature of the violence. The meticulous plan to attack young children in a place of joy and safety. Violence clearly intended to terrorise. Then I understand why people wonder what the word ‘terrorism’ means.
“And so, if the law needs to change to recognise this new and dangerous threat, then we will change it – and quickly.
“And we will also review our entire counter-extremist system to make sure we have what we need to defeat it.”
Sir David Anderson KC, the new Independent Prevent Commissioner, has been appointed to oversee the inquiry.
“Ignore those who want to capitalise on this tragedy”
Analysis by Jamie Lopez
In the coming days, there will be queues of people rushing to have their say on what happened in Southport without offering any actual insight.
Many will be using the tragedy to push their pre-existing agenda about whichever person or group they claim is corrupt or involved in some kind of conspiracy.
Some will vent on social media, some will do so in person, some will do so with big online or broadcast audiences.
Some will appear nonsensical, some will be well-spoken or have backgrounds that suggest they have some authority.
Regardless of all of that, ignore them. Their simple answers won’t solve the problems they talk about and aren’t really designed to help you or anyone else except themselves.
When Nigel Farage claims he was right about a cover up, it is not because he cares about the children involved.
When Robert Jenrick - a man whose job should involve knowing the judicial system inside out - took to social media to tell the world what he thinks Keir Starmer must do, you could safely ignore his opening remark that his “thoughts are once again with the Southport victims’ families who have suffered so much”.
Instead, listen to those actually involved.
Listen to the families of the victims who do not want their trauma to be used to ramp up hatred. Listen to those who stepped up to help the community in its darkest hour. Listen to those who have the families’ interests at heart and an understanding of how to help them.
As thugs ran riot on the day after the attack, the mum of one of the girls killed felt compelled to break away dealing with the most unimaginable loss to plead with people to stop hurling bricks at police officers and attacking a mosque.
The people rioting that day weren’t doing it to protect children and the people exploiting this tragedy for their own gain aren’t doing it because they care about those involved.
Now more than ever, the world - in particular online - is filled with people acting in bad faith and capitalising on tragedy for their own gain. They will tell you to question officials and doubt the “mainstream media”.
It is essential that they are given the same questioning they ask to be given to others and have their motivations assessed.
Bebe, Elsie and Alice - as their families knew them
In light of everything that’s been said above, it only feels right to finish by remembering the three girls who were killed in the attack - Bebe, Elsie and Alice. This is how their families chose to pay tribute to them and it is they who should get the final word.
Bebe
“On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family. The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.
“We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead. To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
“To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief. We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.
“With love and gratitude,
Lauren, Ben, and Genie”
Elsie
"Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness. Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.
"She loved to dance, and it goes without saying she was a devoted ‘Swiftie’, she was always up for anything and gave every activity a go, we went to them all. She found her real passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come around quick enough.
"Her persistence was admirable, from completing a 3k run and 10k charity walk for her local hospice, as well as moving up books bands in school, everything she did she gave 100% and would never give up.
"Our family affirmation is ‘as long as you try your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters’.
‘We are the four best friends in the whole wide world’ – and that mantra will remain with us for the rest of our lives, sound in the knowledge that Elsie is here with us and forever will be in our hearts.
"Elsie has brought light, love and joy to so many lives and it has been clear to us in the overwhelming response from everybody that knew her and everybody within the community.
"We will be always be grateful for the love and support we have had over these past weeks and we are and will continue to be proud to live in Southport.
"To that end, Elsie’s legacy will continue and as a family we will ensure that her impact and legacy endures with positivity and hope and with Elsie by our side forever and always."
Alice
“Dear Alice, you were our perfect dream child, everything was idyllic from the moment you arrived.
“A good girl, with strong values and kind nature. A lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making. You moved our world with your confidence and empathy. Playful energetic, friendly, and always so respectful.
“Being around you was a privilege, we cherished every milestone. You completed us.
“In nine short years we never needed time off from you. We never gave up our time for anything that didn’t involve you too. And if we did, we’d always do it separately so you could have one of us always next to you.”
“We feel shocked, unimaginable pain, we miss you. From time to time, the pin drops. When mommy says ‘good night, Sergio, good night Alice’ and then it hits us all over again. We don’t hear you back.
“Moving forward will be hard. Some days are better than others, but none will be perfect. Some moments we are weak and we say wild things. But we made a promise to always be there for each other in moments of despair, a pinky promise.
“We share a strong bond and we’ll always have each other to rely on. We won’t be alone.
“We are surrounded by a wonderful community and their full support, family and friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the wonderful servicemen and women who serve the community, your school, your church and all your friends and their parents.
“We have the full support of the country and the privilege of multiplying that by two. For that, we’re thankful. For now, our beloved Angel, keep dancing, mummy and daddy will always, always love you.”
Many thanks for reading this latest edition of The Southport Lead. If you have something you think we should know about we’re on southport@thelead.uk