King visits UK town to pay tribute to stabbing victims

King Charles has travelled to northern England to pay tribute to victims and families of those affected by a mass stabbing last month which sparked riots and attacks targeting Muslims and migrants.

On a visit to Southport, the town where the attack took place, Charles met some of the surviving children and their families before later meeting representatives from local emergency services and community groups.

He also looked at flowers and toys that had been left in memory of the victims of the attack, to cheers and applause from the gathered crowds.

Local MP Patrick Hurley met the King with other local leaders at a fire station, and said afterwards: "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."

Three young girls were killed and others were wounded in the July 29 attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, which sparked riots after online posts wrongly said it had been committed by an Islamist migrant.

A 17-year-old male, who the police said was born in the United Kingdom, was charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and one of possession of a bladed article.

🩷 Thank you to the frontline emergency services for your selfless dedication to protect the people of Southport and nearby communities.The King met community leaders and Merseyside's Police, Fire & Rescue and Ambulance services to hear about their response to recent events. pic.twitter.com/97jdG51xiM— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 20, 2024

Charles has praised the community spirit, compassion and resilience that countered aggression and criminality from the rioters, and said he hoped mutual respect and understanding would continue to unite people.

Charles has taken a keen interest in helping young people, setting up the Princes Trust charity in the 1970s.

It has helped a million young people to find work or create community projects and has worked in areas impacted by riots and unrest over the years.

It has continued to operate, including in locations hit by the riots, since his coronation.

with PA