The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Churchtown Primary School to officially open a memorial playground dedicated to the memory of three young girls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar—who were killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July 2024.
Six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe died at the scene, while nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar succumbed to her injuries in hospital the following day. The attack left nine other children and two adults injured, all of whom were treated by the North West Ambulance Service.
The perpetrator, later convicted of the murders and multiple attempted murders, was sentenced to 52 years in prison. The incident shocked the nation and prompted widespread calls for stronger protections against violent crime.
The newly unveiled Churchtown Playground was designed in collaboration with the victims’ families and local specialists to reflect the girls’ personalities and passions. It features spaces for reading, performance, and imaginative play—honouring their love of creativity and learning.
During the visit, Their Royal Highnesses met with students, staff, and bereaved relatives, offering words of comfort and solidarity. Churchtown headteacher Jinnie Payne described the playground as “a place full of colour and laughter, where Alice’s and Bebe’s enthusiasm lives on and inspires others”.
The project was funded through a community-led campaign that raised nearly £400,000, with surplus funds donated to local charities supporting Southport’s recovery. The memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the victims and a symbol of resilience for the community.
Prince and Princess of Wales Visit Southport Memorial Playground
