Southport attack medical staff honoured by King

One of the first people at the scene of the Southport knife attacks has been honoured by the King, along with other NHS staff who dealt with the tragedy.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Aguiar, nine, were murdered and 10 others injured at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the town last July.

Paul Smith, a senior paramedic team leader for North West Ambulance Service, treated victims at the scene.

He has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) after "he put the needs of the injured before his own safety", the NHS said.

Doctor George Bramham, who was also a first responder, and Martin Johnson and Elizabeth Parsons, who were part of the surgical team treating people at Southport Hospital after the stabbings, have been given the same medals.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, praised them for their "incredible dedication and commitment in an awful situation".

Meanwhile, Reverend Martin Abrams, a spiritual care and chaplaincy manager, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the community in Merseyside and west Lancashire.

He played a key role in the community after the attack, the health service said.

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Sir Jim added: "I'd like to recognise those staff who were involved in the response to the knife attack in Southport last summer.

"These awards rightly honour their incredible dedication and commitment in an awful situation.

"The NHS is made up of highly committed and dedicated people that work hard to give the best possible care to patients, and these honours recognise their skill, compassion and bravery."

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