King Charles has arrived in Southport to meet the victims of a knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls.
Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, died when a knifeman attacked at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Hart Street, on 29 July.
Ten others were seriously injured including yoga teacher, Leanne Lucas, 35, who has recently been readmitted to hospital.
Crowds cheered as he arrived at Southport Town Hall shortly after 13:30 BST where tributes have been left to the victims. During a private meeting the King will hear about the experiences of some of the young children who were attacked.
King Charles, who has been receiving cancer treatment this year, previously issued a statement in the wake of the attack, saying he was “profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident”.
Funerals have recently been held for Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King and a number of vigils have taken place.
The King had called for unity after unrest and disorder spread across England following the attack.
He will meet frontline emergency staff and members of the community affected by the disorder as well as regional leaders.
During the visit the King is expected to hear from staff representing Merseyside’s police, fire and rescue and ambulance services.
People began to gather outside the town hall from about 11:30 to catch a glimpse of the King.
He is due to meet with the three bereaved families in London on Wednesday.
