A Portuguese girl has been named as one of the victims of the knife attack in Southport.

Portugal Communities Minister Jose Cesario confirmed nine-year-old Alice Aguiar had been killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on Hart Street in Southport on Monday.

In a tribute on Facebook, a family member said Alice was “a happy smiley girl who had a bright life ahead of her”.

Two other girls, aged six and seven, died in the attack, with a further five children and two adults remaining in a critical condition in hospital.

A crowdfunding page has been set up by the employers of one of Alice’s parents, Benridge Care Homes and Good Companion.

It said they were “completely stunned by the tragic loss of Alice”.

“She has been a part of the Good Companions family since she was a baby.”

In a TV interview in Portugal, Mr Cesario said Alice was originally from the Madeira region and her parents were in “a state of shock”.

He added that his government would “continue to give them the support they need” and were in “direct contact” with Alice’s aunt.

Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old boy, from Banks in Lancashire, remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the attack.

The force added that specialist officers were supporting the families of those injured “at this terrible time”.

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