King Charles III visits survivors of Southport stabbings

King Charles III arrived in Southport where he met survivors of a deadly knife attack that spawned far-right riots fuelled by misinformation . In a private meeting, the king met some of the surviving children who were at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed when a knifeman attacked their dance class . The monarch was also meeting emergency service workers . Crowds cheered as King Charles arrived at Southport Town Hall, where tributes have been left for the killed girls. He stopped to look at the memorials and greet some of those gathered outside before meeting some of the children who survived the attack and their families. Balloons shaped as stars, hearts, a disco ball and the girls’ ages were among the tributes and messages. One read: “God has gained three beautiful new angels … May you dance forever in heaven and be at peace.” Within a few hours of the attack, misinformation was spread online, including wrong claims that the killer was a Muslim immigrant, causing protests that turned into far-right riots. The violence has left some Muslim communities fearful after mosques were targeted in some areas . There was almost a week of violent disturbances in city such as Merseyside, Manchester and Hull. At least 422 people in England and Wales have been charged in connection with the violence. King Charles spent about 45 minutes with survivors before signing a book of condolence. He signed his name, adding: "In deepest sympathy." Patrick Hurley, the MP for Sefton which includes Southport, met the king with other local leaders at a fire station. He said: "The town's emotions were raging and they still are very raw and he was very empathetic. "He was very keen to express his sympathy and empathy. Very keen to make sure the people of Southport know that from the symbolism perspective, the country's heart goes out to the people here." King Charles also met members of the community who had helped in the aftermath of the attack. Among them Paige Whitby, Harriet Neal, Naomi Taylor, all 13, and 10-year-old Emie Todd who had raised £2,000 for Alder Hey Children's Hospital by selling lemonade. Naomi said: "It was shocking to meet the king. We were excited and nervous. He asked us about school and whether we were enjoying our holidays." Helen Marshall, 71, said: "I think it's very important he is here. We're under a cloud and we need something to boost morale. "The last few weeks have been devastating but the community spirit is the thing keeping us going." Joanne Martlew had been driving past the dance class on the day of the attack when she saw victims coming out and went to help, assisting six of those injured. She said her Harvey, who was in her car, had witnessed some of the aftermath and took ice creams to police officers on the day. At the time, King Charles and Queen Camilla said they were ”profoundly shocked” at the "the utterly horrific" attack on the dance class. "We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack," they said. The family of the final child to be released from hospital earlier this month condemned the “disorder” and attacks on police officers, emphasising that “when the horrific events unfolded, our police officers were the first on the scene”. King Charles also visited Southport Community Fire Station and heard from Merseyside’s police, fire and rescue and ambulance services about their roles during the disturbances, as well as meeting local groups and faith leaders. The king will meet the three bereaved families in London on Wednesday. Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with the murder of the three girls in the Merseyside town.

King Charles III visits survivors of Southport stabbings

The killing of three girls at a Taylor Switft-themed dance class led to far right riots