Two children were tragically killed, and nine others injured, during a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, a town in northern England, on Monday, according to Merseyside Police.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy reported that six of the injured children are in critical condition, along with two adults. The attacker, believed to have entered the premises armed with a knife, began assaulting the children.
Kennedy said during a press conference:
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children.”
Merseyside Police received reports of a stabbing at around 11:50 a.m. local time (6:50 a.m. ET). Emergency services responded to what was described as a “major incident.”
A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene, and police have recovered a knife.
“The investigation is in its early stages, and the motive for the incident remains unclear,” Kennedy stated, adding that Counterterrorism Police Northwest have offered their support.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called this attack an “horrendous and deeply shocking news.”
According to PA Media, a local business owner Colin Parry, who called the police, described the incident as “like a scene from a horror movie.” He mentioned that many of the victims appeared to be young girls, adding,
“The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.”
A resident of Hart Street, where the attack took place, recounted witnessing a woman in hysterics outside his house, screaming that her daughter had been stabbed. He assisted in getting the injured girl to where emergency services were present.
“When I got back up the street, there were a couple of kids on the floor being seen to by paramedics.”
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, about 20 miles from Southport, declared a “major incident” and urged parents to avoid bringing children to their Emergency Department unless necessary. The hospital’s statement highlighted the severe strain on emergency services due to the incident.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley expressed his concern and extended his thoughts to those affected and their families.
“I am hoping for the best possible outcomes for the casualties. My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones, and the entire community.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their shock and condolences, describing the attack as “utterly horrific.” Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, also shared their sympathy for the victims and their families, saying,
“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.”
The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack. This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related.
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