Two children have been killed while six others remain in a critical condition after a “horrendous” stabbing at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop in Southport. Two adults also remain critically ill in hospital with knife injuries after “bravely” trying to protect the young victims. A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related. Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear, and the teenager remains in custody. Armed police detained him and seized a knife after officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street on Monday. Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area around the street after the force was alerted to the incident at around 11.50am. Witnesses described hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the scene. Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, said he believed that six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed. He went on: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
Southport stabbing latest: Two children confirmed dead and nine injured in knife attack as teenage boy arrested
Police at scene of Southport stabbings as children among injured
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Two children have been killed while six others remain in a critical condition after a “horrendous” stabbing at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop in Southport.
Two adults also remain critically ill in hospital with knife injuries after “bravely” trying to protect the young victims.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related. Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear, and the teenager remains in custody.
Armed police detained him and seized a knife after officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street on Monday.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area around the street after the force was alerted to the incident at around 11.50am.
Witnesses described hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the scene.
Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, said he believed that six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed. He went on: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming.
“It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
Have you been affected by this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
Show latest update 1722278642
Southport MP leaves London after ‘horrific attack’
Southport’s MP says he is leaving London and heading back to his constituency after today’s knife attack.
In a statement posted on X, Patrick Hurley says he is “deeply saddened” by the news that two children have been killed.
“I hope for the swift recovery of all the other victims of this senseless attack,” he adds.
“This is shocking news for our community but we will stand strong against this mindless violence and I will work with other community leaders to help our town and our community pull through this horrific incident.”
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:44
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Police commissioner condemns attack on ‘innocent, defenceless’ children
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner 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.”
Forensic officers seen at the scene on Hart Street in the hours after the incident (James Speakman/PA Wire)
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:37
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Prime minister says events are ‘truly awful’
The Prime Minister said: “The events today are just truly awful and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.
“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and with the wider community.
“It is impossible to imagine what they are going through right now.”
Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:30
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Motivation behind attack ‘remains unclear’
The motivation behind the knife attack in Southport “remains unclear”, according to police.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference: “The investigation is at its early stages and the motivation for the incident remains unclear.
“However, Counter-Terrorism Police North-West have offered their support to Merseyside Police as the full circumstances of what has happened are being established.
“At this moment in time, the investigation is not being treated as terrorist-related.”
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the motivation remains unclear (James Speakman/PA Wire)
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:23
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‘Substantial number’ of ambulances sent to the scene
North West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin said a “substantial number of ambulances” and specialised resources were dispatched to the scene.
“Tragically, we can confirm that two lives have sadly been cut short,” he said.
“No doubt this incident will have a lasting impact on the whole community,” he added.
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:16
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Adults who were injured ‘bravely’ trying to defend children
In a press conference, chief constable Serena Kennedy says she believes the two adults who have been critically injured were attempting to protect the young victims.
It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked,” she adds.
“As a mum and a nana, I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through.”
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:06
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Six children and two adults remain in critical condition
Two children have died after a knife attack in Southport on Monday, according to police.
Nine other children have been injured, with six of the nine being in a critical condition. All those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack.
Two adults are also in a critical condition.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when a 17-year-old with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack.
Two children died in a stabbing in Southport (James Speakman/PA Wire)
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:04
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Breaking: Two children killed in Southport knife attack
Two children have died and nine have been injured, including six who are in a critical condition, following the stabbings in Southport, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.
Holly Evans29 July 2024 19:00
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Police press conference expected
Merseyside Police are due to hold a press conference at Southport Community Fire Centre at 6.30pm.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates here.
Holly Evans29 July 2024 18:28
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Floral tributes left at the scene
Floral tributes have begun to appear at the scene as the local community reels from the shock attacks (James Speakman/PA Wire)
Holly Evans29 July 2024 18:26
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