A 17-year-old has been charged with the murder of three girls after a stabbing attack in Southport which took place on Monday (July 29).

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died due to the attack at The Hart Space community centre.

A Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop was taking place in the centre at the time which was aimed at primary school children (seven to 11 years old).

Eight other children and two adults who were at the event were injured with some still believed to be in critical condition.

The suspect has also been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder as well as with the possession of a bladed article.

He is set to appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday, August 1).

Merseyside Police announced the charges during a press conference just after midnight.

As reported by BBC News Ursula Doyle, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey-Cheshire, said: "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."

Further protests take place in reaction to Southport attack

After violent unrest took place near a mosque in Southport on Tuesday (July 30) another protest took place in London last night (Wednesday, July 31).

More than 100 people were arrested in the capital as flares were thrown towards the gates of Downing Street, Sky News reports.

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Some among the crowd threw cans and glass bottles and protesters later tried to kick down a fence as they were confronted by riot police.

Those arrested were detained for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker and breach of protest conditions, the Metropolitan Police said.

Some among the crowd were heard shouting the name of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, while others shouted "Rule Britannia", "save our kids" and "stop the boats".