00:00It's been one year since three children were killed during a dance class in Southport.
00:07Alistair Silva Agria 9, BB King 6 and Elsie Dot Stancom 7 were stouted during a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Hart Street on the 29th of July 2024.
00:18Eight other children, instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes were also injured.
00:23In January, Axel Rudicobana, 18, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years after he pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder.
00:31He further pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the date of the attack, production of a biological toxin and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.
00:45The public's being asked not to lay floral tributes to mark the anniversary but to donate to charitable causes instead.
00:52An open letter published by Sefton Council said,
00:54In respect of this deeply personal time, we ask that no floral tributes be laid at either Hart Street or at school settings.
01:02Instead, we're encouraging people to consider donating to local causes such as the Southport Stronger Together appeal, Elsie Story, BB's Hive, Hope's Help, Alice's Wonder Dance, the Southport Hesketh Roundtable and the North West Ambulance Service.
01:16There will also be a three-minute silence at 3pm on Tuesday, which will be recognised by the council and other public bodies.
01:24In the letter, the local authority said the public's compassion had been a source of comfort to all affected through their darkest days.
01:31Works started on a new school playground, which will be commemorated in Alice and BB's memory.
01:37It will contain a dedicated performance space and an outdoor library where pupils and their families can come together.
