Hero teacher shielded two girls as knife blows rained down to save children from Southport killer, family reveal
A HERO teacher “bent over two girls” and took knife blows to save them from the Southport killer, her family has said in a major update.
Dance teacher Leanne Lucas was stabbed in the arms, neck and back as she used her body to shield young girls from the knifeman.
Leanne, 35, bundled two people into a storage room and bent over two children to protect them, The Times reports.
Her cousin Chris Rimmer, 41, told the newspaper that Leanne is now awake – but has not been told the details of the attack.
Chris said Leanne sounded “broken” when she spoke to her family over the phone yesterday afternoon.
Leanne’s aunt Pauline Bennett said: “She’s only tiny, she wouldn’t have stood a chance against a man with a knife.
“But she just wanted to protect those children. I can’t imagine what she would have been thinking when he came through the door.
Pauline added: “It all happened so quickly, she just did what she could.”
It comes as…
- “Sickening” riots leave 54 cops injured
- Mum of stabbing victim pleads “Stop the violence”
- Cops given more time to quiz teen suspect
- Kids sweep streets as heartbroken locals stand together
Cops probing the Southport stabbing have today been given more time to quiz the 17-year-old suspect over the attack.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the Merseyside town on Monday.
Eight other youngsters suffered knife wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured.
The teenage suspect remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Merseyside Police confirmed that officers had asked magistrates for more time to question the teenager.
The 17-year-old cannot be named because of his age and remains in custody.
After the first 48 hours, police can apply for permission from magistrates to hold a suspect for up to a total of 96 hours without charge.
Yesterday cops named Bebe, Elsie and Alice as the three girls killed in the attack.
Bebe’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”
In a tribute, Alice’s family said: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess.
“Like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport.
“My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.”
The prime minister added: “I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”
Southport summer camp attack timeline
Monday, July 29
10am
Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop begins at The Hart Space in Hart Street
11.47am
Police called to reports of a stabbing, and a major incident is declared
5.25pm
Police confirm 17-year-old male was arrested – and later clarify he was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder
7.18pm
Police confirm two young children have died
Tuesday, July 30
8.30am
Police confirm suspect continues to be questioned
10.30am
Taylor Swift posts tribute on Instagram
12.30pm
Police confirm a third girl, aged nine, has died – also say ages of first two deaths were six and seven
3.20pm
Police named the three victims as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.