Babyballet to review safety measures after Southport knife attack

Babyballet Winsford and Northwich has moved to reassure concerned parents.

It comes after three young children were fatally stabbed at a Southport dance studio’s Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday (July 29).

Natasha Johnson, owner of Babyballet, has paid tribute to the victims and has promised to review her school’s security.

She said: “The heartbreaking tragedy at a dance class in Southport yesterday has deeply shocked our Babyballet community and we would like to express our deepest sympathy and send love to those affected.

“Understandably, we have had a few worried grown-ups asking about the safety of their children and families.

“Safety has always, and always will be, the top priority at our classes.”

James Speakman/PA Wire (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)

Babyballet is an international programme founded 19 years ago.

Natasha's Northwich and Winsford franchise runs classes for children aged six months to six years out of various venues in the area.

She added: “Although we are confident with the exceptional standards that we consistently have in place across all our venues, we must never be complacent and will always look to develop if necessary.

“A review of safeguarding and risk assessments is being undertaken to give our grown-ups and teachers the reassurance they may need after this isolated yet deeply worrying event.

“As proud members of the Children’s Activities Association, which puts the safety of children at the heart of its mission, we are also working closely with them for extra validation of our procedures.

“Once again, as a company where teaching children to dance is our everything, we send love and strength to those affected.”

Six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine - the three children killed in the knife attack (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)

Merseyside Police were called to reports of a stabbing at a dance studio on Hart Road, Southport, at 11.47am on Monday.

It is understood the studio was hosting a fully booked Taylor Swift-themed event when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack children inside.

Three children have since died as a result of their injuries – Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured, police said.

The force later said a 17-year-old boy from Banks, a Lancashire village to the north of Southport, who was born in Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder