Charity Commission staff in the Merseyside area have been “deeply affected” by the knife attack in Southport, its chief executive has said, as the regulator published joint guidance on giving to charities supporting those affected.

Merseyside Police reported three girls had died from injuries sustained in a knife attack on 29 July.

The commission and the Fundraising Regulator have published joint guidance on supporting people affected by the attack after a raft of appeals were launched in response. 

David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said the pain of the victims’ families was “unimaginable”.

He said: “My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this horrific attack.

“Many Charity Commission staff are based in Merseyside, and this tragedy has deeply affected all of us who live and work here.  

“As so often, charities are bringing people together to provide support for the victims and the wider community.

“That, along with the generosity of people who are showing their support by making donations, is heartening, and people can continue to give to registered, established charities knowing they are well placed to get that help to them quickly.”

An appeal from the Community Foundation for Merseyside, Sefton Council for Voluntary Service and Sefton Council has raised more than £72,000 at the time of writing to support survivors, victims and their families.

“There are many ways to show support for those affected by the tragedy, and that making a donation to a registered, regulated charity offers donors assurance that their funds will be effectively overseen and accounted for,” the regulators said.

The regulators recommended for donors to check a charity’s name and registration number on the charity register before making a donation.

Donors should also look out for the Fundraising Regulator’s logo and the phrase “registered with Fundraising Regulator” on a charity’s website.

“Check the Fundraising Regulator’s directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice,” the regulators said.

Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said the attack was horrifying and devastating.

He said: “We want to make sure that every donation reaches its intended cause, and one of the ways of making sure this happens is by following our recommended safer giving checks.

“Giving through registered charities such as the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside appeal will ensure your donations reach their intended destination and are used for the purpose they were fundraised for. 

“We’ll be taking an active role, to support those raising money for the community.”