Two children were killed and nine others injured in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop in Southport, near Liverpool, on Monday. Police arrested a 17-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The attack happened around 11:50 am (10:50 GMT) at a property in Southport. Police seized a knife from the suspect but have not yet determined a motive. Six of the injured are in critical condition.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) responded quickly, dispatching 13 ambulances and specialized resources. Patients were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital reported its emergency department was extremely busy, urging parents to only bring their children in if absolutely necessary.
Local business owner Colin Parry, who called the police, described the scene as horrifying.
“The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport,” he said.
In response to the attack, police restricted flights to Southport and cordoned off the area.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram have expressed their concerns and are closely monitoring the situation.
Starmer described the incident as “horrendous and deeply shocking.”
He added, “My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”
Knife crime has been on the rise in England and Wales, with 14,577 offenses recorded in the 12 months leading up to December 2023. Before winning the general elections in July, Starmer had promised to prioritize tackling knife crime.
His government recently introduced a new crime bill aimed at cracking down on the sale of ninja and samurai swords to combat the issue.