UPDATE: Police have tragically confirmed that a third child has died following the devastating stabbings at a children's dance class in Southport on Monday.
In a heartbreaking statement, Merseyside Police said: "Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning.
"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July.
"We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.
"Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.
"Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident."
ORIGINAL:
Taylor Swift has shared a heartbreaking post in the wake of the horrific stabbings that took place in Southport.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 29, tragically claimed the lives of two children who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The attack also left nine other children and two adults injured, several of which are in critical condition.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy addressed reporters on Monday evening, stating that a 17-year-old male launched a "ferocious attack" during a children's dance class at the Hope of Hart club on Hart Street. The police were dispatched at around 11:50 AM local time, responding to reports of the violent incident.
Amid the chaos, witnesses recounted scenes of panic as locals rushed to protect the children.
"Some locals took children to safety in their own homes," according to BBC News.
A local nurse, who left work upon hearing the news, shared her experience: "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."
She further described the horror of consoling a mother who feared for her child: "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."
Swift has now spoken out about the incident - posting a heartbreaking message on Instagram.
"The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just completely in shock," she said.
"The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class.
"I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
Merseyside Police released an update stating that a 17-year-old male from Banks remains in custody and will be questioned about the incident.
The police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public not to speculate.
They confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related and that no other suspects are being sought.
Well-wishers are now attending the area to lay flowers for those impacted by the attack, as the community attempts to grapple with the horrors that took place.
Taylor Swift fans have rallied together to raise money for the victims via a JustGiving page, with the total currently standing at £36,000 ($46,000).
Our thoughts continue to be with all those impacted by this heartbreaking attack.