King Charles visits Southport amid UK riots aftermath

The King visited Southport, offering support to victims of the 29 July knife attack and subsequent riots.

King Charles visited Southport today to offer his continued support to those affected by the tragic events of 29 July and the subsequent riots. 

The visit follows the devastating knife attack in Merseyside, which claimed the lives of three young girls: six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, leaving the community in deep mourning.

One of the first responders to the scene was 63-year-old businessman John Hayes, who was critically injured after being stabbed in the leg while attempting to stop the attack. Hayes, who has since undergone major surgery, described his meeting with the King as "fabulous."

Remembering Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar. 🩷

The King has been in Southport to express his continued support for those affected by the 29th July attack and the riots which followed. pic.twitter.com/piw4i2FyUx

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 20, 2024

During his visit, King Charles spent time at Southport Community Fire Station, where he spoke with emergency services workers, local community members, and faith leaders. He also held a private meeting at Southport Town Hall with survivors of the attack and their families.

The visit comes in the wake of far-right, anti-immigration riots that erupted across the UK following the attack. These riots, characterised by racist violence, arson, and looting, were sparked by false claims that the attacker was a Muslim and an asylum seeker. 

King Charles, who initially faced criticism for his silence, recently called for mutual respect and understanding in response to the unrest.