London: In a tragic incident, two children lost their lives, and nine others sustained injuries in a knife attack that targeted a dance class themed around Taylor Swift, as reported by CNN, based on information provided by local authorities.
The Merseyside Police received reports of a stabbing incident near Southport, located north of Liverpool.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police has confirmed that six of the injured children are in critical condition, with the incident further resulting in the critical injury of two adults.
The assailant entered the premises equipped with a knife and proceeded to attack the children.
Chief Constable Kennedy highlighted the bravery of the adults who were injured, stating, "We believe that the adults who were injured were valiantly attempting to protect the children who were under attack."
At approximately 11:50 am (local time), emergency services were dispatched to the scene, which was classified as a "major incident." A 17-year-old individual was apprehended at the location.
Chief Constable Kennedy mentioned that the investigation into the incident is still in its initial stages, and the motive behind the attack remains undisclosed. However, she assured that the Counterterrorism Police Northwest has extended their support to the investigation.
It was previously clarified by the police that the incident was not categorized as a terror-related event.
Local business owner Colin Parry, who made the call to emergency services, described the scene in Southport as akin to a scene from a horror movie, as reported by CNN. Parry reported that several young girls were stabbed, and the mothers of the victims have since arrived at the scene, expressing their distress and calling it a "horror movie-like scene." Parry also mentioned that the police have apprehended the assailant.
The Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust in Liverpool, located approximately 20 miles from Southport, declared a "major incident" following the incident.
The Trust is collaborating with various emergency services to address this incident, and our Emergency Department is presently experiencing significant congestion. "We kindly request that parents only bring their children to the Emergency Department in cases of urgency," the hospital has stated in a notice published on its website.
In response to the incident, Britain's King Charles and his spouse, Queen Camilla, have expressed their profound shock.
"My spouse and I are deeply saddened by the horrific incident that has occurred in Southport," King Charles conveyed in a statement disseminated across the Royal Family's official social media platforms on Monday.
The Royal Couple extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives, as well as to all those affected by the incident.
The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also addressed the situation, stating in a video clip shared with broadcasters that the nation has been profoundly affected by the events in Southport.
"I speak on behalf of the entire country in extending our thoughts and condolences to the victims, their families, their friends, and the broader community. The extent of the grief and trauma they are enduring is unimaginable," Starmer remarked, also commending the emergency services for their commendable response to what he described as a "terrible incident."
