Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who died in the Southport attack. Photo / Merseyside Police
THREE KEY FACTS:
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of murder over the attack on a holiday club in Southport, England.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He is charged with three counts of murder and 10 attempted murders and the possession of a bladed article.
At a midnight press conference Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, and Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle, confirmed the charges over the murders of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar in Southport.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Merseyside Police to charge a 17-year-old male, of Banks, Lancashire, with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder following the tragic incident that took place in Southport this week.”
He will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates’ Court on August 1.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of all of those affected by these harrowing events.”
The Kremlin refuses to comment on Ukrainian allegations.