Coronation Street actor Ryan Prescott has pleaded for fans to support his friend, Leanne Lucas, who was left in a critical condition following last week's horrific attack in Southport.
Prescott, 35, plays Ryan Connor in the ITV soap and used his platform to ask anyone who might be able to support his friend to consider doing so.
Last Monday, a lone attacker targeted a dance class full of children, stabbing eight young girls and two adults at the Taylor Swift-themed class.
Three of the girls, nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, died in the tragedy.
Police were called to reports of a stabbing on Monday morning, where officers were "shocked" to find multiple people, including many children, had been the targets of a "ferocious attack".
Dance teacher Lucas, 35, bravely used her body to try to shield young girls from the attacker and was stabbed multiple times, leaving her in a critical condition.
Suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17, was charged with the attempted murder of two adults, including yoga instructor Lucas and businessman John Hayes, as well as the attempted murder of the eight children.
He is also charged with possession of a bladed article - a curved kitchen knife, the court heard. Former primary school teacher Lucas underwent life-saving surgery following the incident, with those close to her recently revealing she has now been released from hospital but has a long road to recovery ahead of her.
Actor Prescott took to his Instagram account on Tuesday, where he posted in view of his 57,000 followers a photo of Lucas and a request for support.
He penned: "Hey People! This is my friend Leanne. She was left in critical condition, after a courageous attempt to protect the young girls that were tragically attacked in Southport on Monday the 29th of July.
Ryan Prescott stars as Ryan Connor in ITV's Coronation Street
ITV
"Unfortunately, as most of you will know, the lives of three innocent young girls were taken, with others left critically injured.
"Southport is my hometown and my heart breaks for the families involved, who now have to face the toughest road of all.
"The fallout is immeasurable and more than ever in this country, we need to support each other. Please, if you can, donate (link in bio) or share this post, to help Leanne through her recovery and this very difficult time. Thank you, lots of love."
In the wake of the attack, widespread riots have broken out across the UK as mobs of extremists have smashed windows, shops and cars as well as started fires and attacked police officers and mosques.
The violence was sparked by misinformation regarding the stabbing suspect's identity on social media. Thugs have targeted areas in Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool, Hull, Bristol, Middlesborough, Plymouth and other areas in the UK.
Responding to the soap star's social media plea, many of his fans were quick to support the cause as they labelled Lucas "a hero".
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A vigil was held in Southport after the horrific knife attack at a dance class
PA
One penned: "She is an absolute hero! Hate to think how much worse it could have been. Hope she's being well cared for in all ways. Can't begin to imagine what she must be going through right now."
"I'll spread the word around to my friends and anybody else who needs to see this!" another shared.
Another added: "My heart goes out to you and Leanne's family and of course will spread the word."
"Sending lots of love keep us posted," someone else commented. Another person wrote: "Such a courageous woman amongst others that day. Sending love @ryan_prescottactor."
"Great post. Wishing her and all the injured a speedy recovery," another posted. (sic)
