Three girls were killed in the stabbing attack in northwest England. The teenage suspect is also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder.
Hundreds of people have placed flowers near the scene of the attack in tribute to the victims
British police said early Thursday they charged a 17-year-old with murder over a stabbing attack in the northwestern English town of Southport.
Three girls aged 6, 7 and 9 were killed in the Monday attack at a local community center hosting a Taylor Swift-themed event. Eight other children and two adults were injured.
The teenage suspect has also been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and “possession of a bladed article.” He is due to appear in court in Liverpool later on Thursday.
“Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains ve ry much a live investigation and we continue to work […] to ensure we have as complete an understanding as possible of this matter,” Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said in a statement.
Police have not named the suspect, citing his age. However, they have dismissed speculation about his identity as false information intended to prompt violence.