The two brave dance class teachers who helped save up to 16 children from a masked attacker during a Taylor Swift-themed workshop have been named.
The assault, which occurred on July 29, has tragically resulted in the deaths of three children and left five others critically injured.
Two adults were also critically injured in the attack and are reportedly fighting for their lives.
Leanne Lucas, 35, a primary school supply teacher turned children's yoga instructor, and her co-organizer, Heidi Barlow, also 35, sustained injuries during the attack at Hart Space Studios on Hart Street in Southport.
Lucas, who organized the event, is currently fighting for her life in hospital after suffering stab wounds inflicted by a boy who entered the venue through an unlocked door, which had been left open due to the sweltering heat.
According to reports, the attack unfolded while 25 children - aged between six and 11 - were attending the yoga and bracelet-making workshop, which was themed around the singer Taylor Swift.
The quick-thinking actions of Lucas and Barlow have been hailed as instrumental in saving up to 16 children.
Despite their heroic efforts, nine children were hospitalized, with five remaining in critical condition. An update from police on Tuesday confirmed that one of the children who had been hospitalized has sadly succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll to three.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police has since praised the teachers for their bravery amid the attack, saying: "We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.
"As a mom and a nana, I can't begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through at this moment in time.
"I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to them."
Pauline Bennett, 64 - a relative of Lucas - described her bravery, saying: "She's only tiny, she wouldn't have stood a chance against a man with a knife, but she just wanted to protect those children."
"Her sister stayed at her bedside all night, and her parents are with her now. We’re just hoping and praying that she’s going to be okay," Bennett added, per the Daily Mail.
Lucas - who previously taught in China and Dubai before returning to the UK - is a fan of Taylor Swift and had even attended one of the singer's concerts.
Posting a photo of Lucas on Facebook, Sunshine Yoga wrote: 'I'm absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne.
"Leanne came on my training course in December. A beautiful young creative girl who was so passionate about helping children. I just can't believe it. Please pray."
Southport MP Patrick Hurley expressed the shock and grief of the local community, stating: "The town is in mourning, the town is in shock this morning. The incident that took place yesterday was uniquely horrific."
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police confirmed that the attacker had entered the community center just minutes before the workshop was due to end, arriving in a taxi and exiting without paying.
The attacker, a 17-year-old boy from Banks, remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The attack, described as "utterly horrific" by King Charles and "horrendous and deeply shocking" by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has left the community reeling.
Witnesses reported seeing children running from the building, with some local residents reportedly taking in children to safety amid the chaos.
At the time of this writing, a JustGiving page set up by Taylor Swift fans has already raised more than £60,000 to support the affected families and cover the funeral costs for the two deceased children.
In the wake of this tragedy, the local community has come together to mourn and offer support, with tributes pouring in for the victims and the brave teachers who put their lives on the line to protect the children.
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