Merseyside Police have confirmed that two children have been killed after a knife attack in Southport, England.
Speaking to reporters on Monday evening (July 29), Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed that two children have tragically died after a 17-year-old male launched a "ferocious attack" during a Taylor Swift dance class.
Kennedy added that nine other children were also injured in the attack, with six of them reportedly in a critical condition.
Additionally, two adults have also sustained critical injuries.
The attack reportedly took place at a dance class at the Hope of Hart children's club on Hart Street, Southport, with police being dispatched at around 11:50AM (local time). A "Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop" for young children was taking place.
Per BBC News, amid the mass panic, witnesses say that some locals took children to safety in their own homes.
A local nurse told the BBC that she ran out of work when she was alerted to the news. The mom of two revealed that her daughters were thankfully safe, but that one of them heard "quite a sinister scream".
"Nobody can believe it. All the local mums have checked in with one another. I’m sure we’re all going to know somebody from that poor group," the nurse said. "The mother that I was just consoling, just the look on her face because she knew something had happened to her child, it’s like oh my gosh how do you even comprehend… there’s nothing you can do."
An update from Merseyside Police earlier today stated: "We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.
"At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.
"We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
"Any updates will be provided to the public when available.
"Communities can also follow Merseyside Police on social media for updates and if they want to submit information, they can do so on the Merseyside Police website or Crimestoppers."
Police have once again stated that the attack is not being treated as terror-related.
Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as every person impacted by this tragedy.
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