Southport Survivor, 7, Showed Remarkable Bravery During Attack

A seven-year-old Southport survivor fought bravely to save herself and others during the attack, as revealed by her mother at a public inquiry. The Southport Inquiry heard statements from families of four girls who survived severe injuries on 29 July 2024. The mother of one survivor, identified as C1, shared the harrowing truth that there were no adults to assist during the attack by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. C1 was stabbed 33 times at a dance workshop in Southport and airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Her mother recounted how C1, despite being wounded, tried to escape but was pulled back into the building by Rudakubana, sustaining catastrophic injuries. The inquiry learned that C1 shielded other children and urged them to flee, showcasing remarkable courage and strength. The teachers' actions in encouraging children to escape were also acknowledged for potentially saving lives.

Another survivor, a nine-year-old girl identified as C3, was described by her father as being stabbed three times in the back by an unseen assailant. The emotional and physical scars from that day continue to impact her, with challenges expected along her life's journey.

The inquiry will resume on 8 September to delve into the circumstances of the attack and Rudakubana's interactions with authorities leading up to it. The subsequent phase will explore broader issues surrounding youth involvement in extreme violence.

According to the source: BBC.