A truly tragic event has unfolded in the U.K., leaving a community in shock and grief. On Monday morning, a 17-year-old male suspect was taken into custody for allegedly going on a stabbing spree at a children's dance class in Southport, a picturesque seaside town near Liverpool.
The incident resulted in the heartbreaking loss of two children, while nine more children and two adults were wounded, according to Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of the Merseyside Police, who spoke at a press conference. Six of the injured children and both adults are in critical condition, having all suffered stab wounds.
Taylor Swift has paid tribute to the two children killed and 9 others wounded in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Read her statement here ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xO8nDNca7d
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 30, 2024
Chief Constable Kennedy commended the bravery of the injured adults, stating, “We believe the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.” Their courage in the face of such danger is a poignant reminder of the strength within communities.
The attack took place during a “Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop for children,” as reported by The New York Times. The suspect entered the venue with a knife and began his horrifying assault, leaving behind a scene of chaos and distress.
Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected.
I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.
I am being kept updated as the situation develops.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 29, 2024
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his deep sorrow and shock, saying, “Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also shared her condolences, stating, “The news from Southport is truly devastating. My heart goes out to all the families affected by this horrific incident & to the whole community. I have just spoken to the Merseyside Chief Constable & I thank all the emergency services responding in such difficult circumstances.”
Earlier we held a press conference following the incident that took place in Southport this morning.
Please watch to hear from Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, MFRS Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside Head of Service Dave Kitchin.
To read more,… pic.twitter.com/edfwk50BEs
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) July 29, 2024
Witnesses to the aftermath of the attack described scenes of horror and confusion. Bare Varathan, a local business owner, recounted seeing the injured fleeing from the nursery. "They were in the road, running from the nursery," Varathan told the Associated Press. "They had been stabbed, here, here, here, everywhere," he said, pointing to his neck, back, and chest.