TWO children have died, and nine others were injured, six critically, in a “ferocious” knife attack at a children’s dance workshop in Southport. The incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street, leaving two adults in critical condition after attempting to protect the children, Merseyside Police have confirmed.
A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but now residing in Banks, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have stated that the motivation behind the attack remains “unclear” but is not being treated as terror-related.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 11:47 BST, marking the first full week of the school summer holidays for many children across the UK. Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances, and the fire service rushed to the dance class for children aged six to ten.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the scene as “horrendous,” noting that officers were shocked to find multiple victims, many of whom were children. “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 and started to attack the children,” she said.
She added that the adults injured were bravely attempting to protect the children. Kennedy, a mother and grandmother, expressed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.
The attack has drawn widespread shock and sympathy, with The King and Prime Minister leading tributes. The King stated that he and his wife were “profoundly shocked” by the “utterly horrific incident,” sending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, highlighting the nation’s deep shock and expressing gratitude to the emergency services for their response.
Journalist Tim Johnson from Eye on Southport reported the attack occurred at the Hope of Hart children’s club, housed in a former warehouse building. He described the scene as “horrendous” with numerous emergency vehicles and emotional first responders.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital declared a “major incident,” and the North West Ambulance Service dispatched 13 ambulances to the scene. Dave Kitchin, head of operations at the ambulance service, described the scene as “devastating,” acknowledging the lasting impact on the community.
Business owner Colin Parry, who witnessed the aftermath, likened the scene to a “horror movie,” noting the community’s collective effort to protect and save the children.
The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their horror and sympathy, emphasising the unimaginable pain faced by the families involved. Everton and Liverpool football clubs also offered their condolences, uniting in support of the Southport community.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Southport MP Patrick Hurley voiced their concerns and hopes for the best outcomes for those injured. Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson expressed their shock and sadness, pledging support for the affected community in the coming days and weeks.
The 17-year-old suspect remains in custody, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation to understand the motive behind this tragic incident.
Commenting on the events in Southport, the Prince and Princess of Wales 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. “
