According to Fox News, a devastating stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England, led to the tragic death of two children and left nine others critically injured.
A 17-year-old attacked attendees of a dance class designed for young children, leading to a swift police response. Merseyside Police reported that the incident occurred around noon at a dance studio in the coastal town north of Liverpool.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy detailed that along with the children, two adults were critically injured, likely in attempts to protect the children.
Ryan Carney, a resident whose mother witnessed the aftermath, described to Sky News the harrowing scenes she encountered:
She goes out, and she goes round to see what happened, and all she said was she saw the members of police or ambulance carrying out a few bodies of girls. They were in white, but they were covered in red. Covered in blood. She said she could see the stab wounds in the backs of the children.
The suspect, a 17-year-old from the nearby village of Banks, was promptly detained by police, who also seized the weapon involved. The teen is facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
Emergency services, including the North West Ambulance Service, were quickly on scene, treating eight patients for stab injuries before transporting them to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities.
The swift medical and police response to the incident has been noted, but it has done little to assuage the shock that has gripped the community.
Police have issued a statement requesting the public to avoid speculation as they continue to investigate the motives behind the tragic incident. They also clarified that the incident is not considered terror-related at this point, and no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the matter.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken out about the tragedy, expressing his deep shock and condolences to the victims and their families.
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.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has reported that their Emergency Department was struggling to manage the sudden influx of severely injured patients and recommended that only urgent cases seek treatment there for the time being.
In response to the tragedy, a crowdfunding page has been established to help the victims and their families during this difficult time. The community, although heartbroken, has come together in support of the young victims and their families. As investigations continue, the strength of the community's response remains a beacon of light in the darkness of this tragic day.
Two children died, and nine others were injured in a stabbing spree at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, UK. A 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody and faces charges of murder and attempted murder. Six children and two adults are in critical condition. The attack is not being treated as terror-related, and there is no wider threat to the public.
