Overview
- On July 29, 2024, an attacker murdered three girls at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class and injured 23 others, and the attacker was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years.
- A public inquiry published in April–May 2026 found the assault “could and should have been prevented” and said no organisation took ownership of the risk the attacker posed.
- Families of five surviving children told the BBC they feel their daughters are being forgotten because a court order prevents publication of injured survivors' names and has left officials uncertain about who needs services.
- Fletchers Solicitors, which represents 22 of the 23 survivors, and the Victims' Commissioner have urged that anonymity must not block representation in planning meetings or access to health, education, and recovery services.
- Survivors face lasting physical and psychological harm, including intensive injuries, surgery and ongoing medication for nightmares, and the dispute over anonymity could prompt changes to how councils, police and victim services share information to reach hidden victims.