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."
Monday's "ferocious 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 at the time.
Per BBC News, amid the mass panic, witnesses say that some locals took children to safety in their own homes.
Police have revealed that they have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the heinous crime.
Although a motive behind the tragedy "remains unclear", police say that it is not currently treated as terror-related.
Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, told reporters on Tuesday: "There is a serious criminal investigation under way because this was a horrific attack.
"It's important that the police pursue every single avenue, and that is what Merseyside Police are now doing."
The two teachers who organized the event have since been named and praised for their heroic actions.
Leanne Lucas, 35, a primary school supply teacher turned children's yoga instructor, and her co-organizer, Heidi Barlow, 35, both sustained injuries during the attack as they fought to protect the children.
Additionally, singer Taylor Swift has issued a statement following the attack.
"The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just completely in shock," Swift wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
"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."
Our thoughts continue to go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and everybody impacted by this tragedy.
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