A “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event in Southport, England took the lives of three young girls. Eight more children were hurt, five of whom are in severe condition. Merseyside Police said that two individuals had sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred late on Monday morning.
The police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The incident
BBC reported the police suspected several children were attending a dancing school event when a knife-wielding individual entered the facility and stabbed people inside. Police believe two adults were deeply injured while “bravely” protecting the youngsters from the attack. Two girls, ages six and seven, died on Monday, while a third, aged nine, died in hospital early Tuesday morning as a result of injuries received in the attack, police said. In addition to the three children who died, eight others were stabbed during the incident, and five are now in serious condition. The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) stated it had treated 11 people with stab injuries.
Eyewitnesses have described awful images in the wake of the Southport incident, with one calling it the “worst thing I’ve seen in my life”. Multiple witnesses reported seeing numerous small children bleeding in the road after being stabbed.
Taylor Swift and leaders react
Singer and songwriter Taylor Swift took to Instagram to express her sorrow. She posted on her Instagram story, saying the horror of the attack was “washing over me continuously”, and that she was “completely in shock”.
“These were just little kids at a dance class,” she added. “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
King Charles III stated that he and the Queen were “profoundly shocked.”
A message from His Majesty The King following the tragic incident in Southport today. pic.twitter.com/4aUK8btptX
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 29, 2024
In a statement posted on X, the King said they send their “heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies” to everyone affected by the “appalling attack”.
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