Tributes from across the country to dead and injured in Southport knife-attack
The King and Queen are leading tributes to those who have been affected
Last updated 29th Jul 2024
The King and Queen have led tributes to the victims of the "truly appalling" knife attack which happened in Southport on Monday.
Two children have died and six are in a critical condition following a knife attack close to a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class.
Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks and born in Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder 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.
The King said on Monday evening that he and the Queen had been "profoundly shocked" to hear of the "utterly horrific incident in Southport today".
Charles added: "We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack."
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, said: "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.
"We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.
"Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most."
Following a police press conference on Monday evening, the Prime Minister offered his condolences to the victims of the attack in Southport, and their families and friends, saying "the whole country is deeply shocked".
The ages of the dead children, or whether boys or girls, have not been given by police, who said they are not treating the incident as terror-related but the motive "remains unclear".
The suspect is from Banks, a village outside Southport, with police now stationed outside an address.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said earlier on Monday: "The news from Southport is truly devastating.
"My heart goes out to all the families affected by this horrific incident & to the whole community.
"I have just spoken to the Merseyside Chief Constable & I thank all the emergency services responding in such difficult circumstances."
MP for Southport Patrick Hurley posted a statement on X: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the horrific attack on Hart Street today.
"I am deeply saddened by the news that two children have been fatally injured.
"I hope for the swift and full recovery of all the other victims of this senseless attack and I thank the staff at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Southport and Formby Hospital, and Aintree University Hospital for their care for those affected."
All the casualties are now being treated in hospitals, including children's hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester.