Love will always conquer hate. For Southport, for Bebe, for Elsie, for Alice.
05.08.24 - Merseyside
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell has used her latest column in the Liverpool Echo to pay tribute to the three young victims killed in last week's stabbing attack in Southport.
In her monthly 'My City' article, the PCC has also acknowledged the incredible outpouring of support, from across the region, for those caught up in the tragic events as well as condemning the actions of those behind violent disorder that followed Monday's senseless attack.
Bebe, Elsie, and Alice.
Three beautiful little girls, dancing, smiling and having fun, right where they belonged, with their friends, until unspeakable horror unfolded.
Their names are the only names that should be on our lips.
I know many of us will still be feeling angry. We still want answers. But it’s vital we allow the investigation teams to do their work, so the families of those affected get the justice they deserve.
I would urge you to ignore those who look to use grief as a weapon, to spin the narrative, pushing misinformation to fuel division and hatred.
That small minority do not represent the vast majority of good people across Merseyside and we know the families of the victims have made it very clear that they want the violence to stop.
I hope they can find some small comfort in the support they’ve received from across our region and the way our communities have pulled together.
The answers will never be found with those who seek to bring disorder to a grieving neighbourhood, targeting communities, and attacking police officers.
That disgraceful behaviour isn’t welcome here.
Those same police officers, some of whom were back on shift after running towards danger the day before to help save lives, are a credit to the communities they serve. Putting public safety before their own. I want to thank them again for their selfless commitment, bravery, and dedication.
We must look to the future with hope. Southport is a beautiful place and watching the community pull together; rebuilding walls, delivering food and checking on each other, has been truly heartwarming.
That incredible outpouring of support, the togetherness, communities uniting, gives us that hope.
For love will always conquer hate.
For Southport.
For Bebe. For Elsie. For Alice.