Two days after a devastating knife rampage at a Southport dance class, which left three children dead and several injured, the parent of one of the children involved has spoken out about the harrowing event.

In an emotional social media post, the parent expressed their inability to respond to all the messages they had received: “We’ve received a lot of messages in the last 24hrs, sorry I couldn’t reply to everyone but I’m sure you understand why. Thank you for your kindness and support, it means a lot.”

They continued with a heart-wrenching tribute to their daughter Teddy’s best friend, who was tragically killed: “Teddy my 7 yr old daughter was at the horrific incident in Southport yesterday.”

“She went in with her best friend, a friend she was so lucky to have; the smartest, prettiest little angel from the best family you could ever wish to know. It breaks my heart to say her little friend has been taken away from this cruel world. We just pray she is in peace and her family find the strength to get through this.”

The family also corrected reports about the arrest of the assailant in their account of the incident, saying that ordinary police officers, not armed ones, were responsible for apprehending the suspect: “Her Mum, My Dad an I were one of the first at scene, when only 3 officers present so the media reports of it being armed officers who detained him is not true – it was local, every day police officers.”, reports the Mirror.

“They defied orders and risked their own lives to protect the lives of children from our community.”

Reflecting on the harrowing incident, the family praised the emergency services, particularly the police officers who responded to the scene. “The things witnessed will live in our memories forever. Those same police officers; who get paid less than a McDonald’s manager, got home, hugged their own kids and got back up this morning to do it all again, are now being attacked on the streets.”

In reference to the ongoing riots in Southport that began on Tuesday evening following a vigil for the victims of the attack, the family condemned the violence and unrest, stating: “No matter what your political views are, they are not the problem. Please, for the sake of the poor victims and their families, STOP THE VIOLENCE.”

“We will forever be in debt to Leanne, Heidi, Greg, Joel, John and every other hero who helped save so many lives.”