Two children have been killed and nine others injured, six critically, in a violent knife attack at a children's dance workshop. Two adults are also in critical condition after trying to protect the children at the Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street in Southport, according to Merseyside Police.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police stated the motive for the attack is unclear but confirmed it is not being treated as terror-related.
Witnesses described the scene as "horrendous," with one saying they had "never seen anything like it." The King and the Prime Minister have expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
Merseyside Police declared a major incident after receiving emergency calls at 11:47 BST, during the first full week of the school summer holidays in the UK. Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances, and the fire service rushed to the dance class, which was for children aged six to 10.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said officers were shocked to find multiple people, many of them children, had been subjected to a "ferocious attack" and suffered serious injuries.
"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 to protect the children who were being attacked."
She added: "As a mum of two daughters, and the nana of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies".
Ms Kennedy said the 17-year-old suspect, born in Cardiff, will be questioned by detectives. Merseyside Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the attack, and the motivation remains unclear. Counter-Terrorism Police North West have offered their support but the incident is not being treated as terror-related, she added.
Journalist Tim Johnson reported that the attack occurred at the Hope of Hart children's club, housed in a former warehouse. "It was horrendous. I've never seen anything like it," Mr Johnson said. "There were so many police cars, it was a mass of blue lights. I saw ambulance men and women in tears. People were in tears in the streets."
Alder Hey Children's Hospital declared a major incident, and the North West Ambulance Service sent 13 ambulances. Eleven casualties were treated at the scene and transported to various hospitals.
Dave Kitchin of the ambulance service described the scene as "devastating", adding that "no doubt this incident will have a lasting impact on the whole community, and our thoughts are very much with them at this difficult time".
Colin Parry, a business owner nearby, witnessed the initial commotion involving a young man in a green hoodie refusing to pay a taxi driver before the attack began. He said an employee called him back out a short time later and that he saw numerous "young kids, all bleeding". "It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."
The King and Queen, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, expressed their profound shock and condolences on social media. The King said he and his wife were "profoundly shocked" to hear of the "utterly horrific incident".
He added: "We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack."
The Prince and Princess of Wales called the attack "horrid and heinous" adding that they were sending "love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved". They said on X: "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.
"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."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I know the whole country is deeply shocked about what they’ve seen and what they’ve heard. "I know I speak for everyone in the whole country in saying, our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and the wider community and it’s almost impossible to imagine the grief that they’re going through, and the trauma that they’re going through.
"I do want to thank the emergency services and Merseyside Police who have had to respond to the most difficult of circumstances today."
Southport FC canceled a pre-season friendly out of respect for the victims, and both Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs offered condolences.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Southport MP Patrick Hurley expressed their concern and hope for the best outcomes for the injured. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram urged the public not to spread false information, and local officials expressed their shock and commitment to supporting the community.
A fundraiser, "Swifties for Southport," has been organized by Taylor Swift fans to support the victims and their families. Cristina Jones from the UK and EU Taylor Swift Facebook group emphasized their desire to alleviate any financial stress for the affected families.
