Two children dead and nine others injured in Southport stabbing
Police say two adults are also 'critical' after trying to protect the children
Last updated 29th Jul 2024
Two children have died and six are in a critical condition following a "horror movie" knife attack close to a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class.
Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, was arrested and is set to be questioned following the "major incident" at a property in Hart Street, Southport, north of Liverpool, at about 11.50am on Monday.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said as well as the two children who died, nine children were injured in the "ferocious" attack and two adults are also in a critical condition.
Ms Kennedy said the force believe the adults were injured while "bravely" trying to protect the children.
She told reporters: "My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47 this morning at an address in Southport.
"When they arrived, they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.
"It is understood the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside.
"We believe the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked."
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner "devastated"
Merseyside's PCC Emily Spurrell said: “I am utterly shocked and devastated to hear about the truly appalling incident this morning in Southport.
“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the young victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. I cannot even imagine the untold pain and heartache they are facing. My thoughts are also with all those who suffered injuries and who have been affected by this harrowing incident.
“To hear that innocent, defenceless children have been attacked during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school as they enjoyed the start of the school summer holidays is unthinkable and absolutely abhorrent.
“These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness.
“Our region will be heartbroken that more young lives have been lost at the hands of violence and more have suffered serious injuries, and I share local people’s deep concern and anguish.
“Thanks to the efforts of police officers an arrest was made quickly and there is no wider threat to the public.
“I’d like to give my profound thanks to the dozens of police officers and emergency service workers who were called to the scene to help the injured in the aftermath of this horrendous incident and to all those who are now caring for them.
“I am in close communication with the Chief Constable, and I will be working with partners across Southport to put in place any support we can in the following days.
“It’s crucial we now unite to help all those who are grieving today and reassure those living in the community of Meols Cop and Southport.
“An investigation is now underway, and I would urge people to be very careful with what they share online in the aftermath of this incident and not to speculate.
“I would urge anyone who has been affected by this incident and needs advice or support to contact our Victim Care Merseyside service by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or online at <a class="article-body-link" href="http://www.victimcaremerseyside.org"">www.victimcaremerseyside.org"