In a poignant tribute to their daughters, Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two of the three young girls tragically killed in the Southport stabbing incident, completed the London Marathon. The event, held on April 27, 2025, saw the duo running in memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were among the victims of the July 29, 2024, attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The marathon was not just a test of physical endurance but a deeply emotional journey for both fathers. Aguiar, running alongside teachers from Churchtown Primary School, where his daughter and another victim, Bebe King, six, attended, aimed to raise funds for a new playground. Stancombe, on the other hand, ran to support Elsie's Story, a charitable trust established in his daughter's memory. Their participation was a testament to their resilience and the unbreakable bond between parents and their children.

Support for the runners was overwhelming, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing his admiration for their courage. The families of the victims, including Bebe King's parents, were present to cheer on Aguiar and Stancombe, showcasing a united front in the face of unimaginable loss. The marathon became a symbol of hope and remembrance, with the fathers drawing strength from the thought of their daughters being with them every step of the way.

As the runners crossed the finish line, the emotions were palpable. Aguiar, overcome with emotion, fell to the ground, while Stancombe flashed a thumbs up, a gesture of triumph over tragedy. Their efforts not only honored the memory of their daughters but also brought attention to the causes they were running for, ensuring that the legacy of Alice, Elsie, and Bebe will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.

London's Metropolitan Police has reversed its longstanding position on grooming gangs in the capital, acknowledging for the first time that it has multiple active investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation. The shift came after an investigation by MyLondon and The Daily Express challenged official statements from both police leadership and Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had consistently maintained there were "no reports" or "no indication" of Rochdale or Rotherham-style rape gangs operating in London.

The investigation uncovered evidence from four separate His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services reports spanning 2016 to 2025 that documented at least six potential victims of grooming gang abuse. These case studies, which the Mayor of London personally responded to according to public statements, described children as young as 13 being exploited by groups of predatory men. The reports detailed how girls were plied with drugs and alcohol, raped in hotels by multiple perpetrators, and subjected to life-threatening situations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley revealed to Assembly Members at City Hall that the force now acknowledges a "steady flow" of live multi-offender child sexual exploitation investigations and a "very significant" number of historic cases requiring reinvestigation. The commissioner estimated these reviews would cost "millions of pounds a year, for several years" to properly investigate, contradicting previous assertions that the force had "not seen" such cases in London.

Political figures including Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp have criticized the mayor's handling of the situation, with Anderson stating there is "real, credible evidence that grooming gangs exist in London" and Philp alleging that Khan is "facilitating a cover-up." A spokesman for the mayor maintained that Khan has "always been clear that the safety of Londoners is his top priority" and remains "committed to doing all he can to protect children in London."