Police in Britain are trying to establish a motive for yesterday’s stabbing in Southport.
Two children died, nine others were injured - while six others remain in a critical condition after the attack.
Two adults are also in a critical condition after being stabbed.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Emergency service at the scene of the crime. Picture by: Alamy.comMerseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said adults who tried to prevent the attack were also injured.
“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.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
Earlier we held a press conference following the incident that took place in Southport this morning.
Please watch to hear from Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, MFRS Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside Head of Service Dave Kitchin.
To read more,… pic.twitter.com/edfwk50BEs
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) July 29, 2024
Following the attack, Taoiseach Simon Harris tweeted his condolences.
“Absolutely horrified at the devastating attack in Southport,” he wrote on social media.
“A terrible tragedy. The loss of children is an unbearable atrocity. Sending the support of the Irish people to Keir Starmer, the families and communities.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrendous and deeply shocking" and an eyewitness told the BBC it was the "worst thing I’ve seen in my life".
Main image: Police and forensic officers on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside. Picture by: Alamy.com
