It has now been a year since the Southport community was shaken by the heartbreaking loss of three young girls — Alice, Bebe, and Elsie — whose lives were tragically taken during a dance class.

I recently returned to the site of the tragedy to reflect, pay my respects, and stand in solidarity with the families and the wider community still grieving this unimaginable loss.

This was not just a local tragedy, it became a stark reminder of the growing knife crime crisis facing the UK. Across towns and cities, from busy high streets to quiet neighbourhoods, knife-related violence continues to devastate families and communities. The Southport case highlights, in the most painful way, the urgent need for early intervention, education, and community-led prevention.

I remain firmly committed to tackling knife crime through advocacy, outreach, and education. I’ve developed a number of resources and projects aimed at helping individuals, schools, and organisations make a difference. Details on how to get involved in our efforts to build safer streets are available throughout this site. My book Breaking the Chain: Your Life, Choice & Future, written as an accessible educational tool, explores the realities and ripple effects of knife crime, and is available to order directly.

“Three young lives, full of promise, gone in an instant. Their memory demands action, not just remembrance.”

This tribute is also a call to action, for communities across the UK to reflect, to unite, and to take a stand against violence. By supporting initiatives like ours, raising awareness, and engaging in open conversation, we can push for meaningful change and protect future generations.

Would you like a tailored version of this message for press outreach, school assemblies, or council briefings?

Watch the full reflection video below — please subscribe to help raise awareness and broaden reach:

SOUTHPORT ONE YEAR ON – Revisiting the Southport Tragedy (opens a new window)

- Special thanks to Pedro Aguiar, a family friend of Alice, for his valuable contribution to this tribute. Pedro kindly shared his thoughts on camera and gave his consent to be featured in the video — his voice adds an important personal perspective to this reflection.

Edwin Duggan LLB(Hons)

Published 29th July 2025