Cops probing Southport stabbing given more time to quiz suspect, 17, over attack which left 3 dead & 7 critical

COPS probing the Southport stabbing have been given more time to quiz the 17-year-old suspect over the attack.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the Merseyside town on Monday.

EPA

Floral tributes in Southport[/caption]

PA

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was killed in the stabbing[/caption]

PA

Bebe King, six, was also killed[/caption]

Facebook

Eight other youngsters suffered knife wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured.

The teenage suspect remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Merseyside Police confirmed that officers had asked magistrates for more time to question the teenager.

The 17-year-old cannot be named because of his age and remains in custody.

After the first 48 hours, police can apply for permission from magistrates to hold a suspect for up to a total of 96 hours without charge.

Yesterday cops named Bebe, Elsie and Alice as the three girls killed in the attack.

Bebe’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

In a tribute, Alice’s family said: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess.

“Like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport.

“My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.”

The prime minister added: “I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”