Southport Stabbings Latest: ‘Major Incident’ declared by Merseyside Police following multiple stabbings

*We are regularly updating this article as more news unfolds from Southport today, Monday 29 July 2024.

Young children are said to be among at least eight people stabbed in Southport today.

Armed police arrested a man and seized a knife after being called to the “major incident” at a property on Hart Street, in Southport, north of Liverpool, at about 11.50am on Monday.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it had so far treated eight patients with stab injuries, who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.

19:25

Police confirm that two children have died following today’s attack in Southport with nine other children injured, and two adults also hurt.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy gave the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that today I am here to advise that two young children have died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack this morning.

“Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition, all those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident. 

“A 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who is originally from Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives

“My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am at an address Southport. When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.

“It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside.  We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.

“As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.

“Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support. 
Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.

“You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”

17:23

Police give update and information about man arrested.

Merseyside Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.

“At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.

We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Any updates will be provided to the public when available.

Communities can also follow Merseyside Police on social media for updates and if they want to submit information, they can do so on the Merseyside Police website or Crimestoppers.”

17:07

Witness describes scenes of horror at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class

One witness told the PA news agency that he called the police to an address behind The Hart Space studios, where a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children in school years two to six, aged between six and 11, was taking place.

Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, also said he believed that six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed.

He went on: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. “It is like a scene from a horror movie.”

16:56

The Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath says he is shocked and saddened following the news from Southport today. On X he posted:

“Like so many I am shocked and saddened by the news from Southport. My prayers are, and will remain, with all those affected by this tragedy.

I am deeply grateful for the quick response of all the emergency services and pray for all those called to care for the victims and support those affected by this incident.

I know events such as this are unsettling for the community and I pray for peace, calm and reassurance for all affected.”

15:32

This map shows the location of today’s stabbings on Hart Road in Southport.

15:29

Flight restrictions affecting drones and helicopters have been imposed in Southport to allow emergency services to respond to the stabbing incident this morning (Monday 29 July).

A temporary airspace restriction, known as an Emergency Restriction of Flying (ERF), has been in place since 1.41pm on 29 July meaning it will be an offence for any aircraft to fly below 2,000ft above sea level in a designated area (pictured), without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.

Drone and aircraft users flying inside the Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be guilty of committing an offence and could be prosecuted.

Full details of the restrictions are available on the Drone Safety Map | Altitude Angelwebsite

15:12

Prime Minister Kier Starmer said the incident in Southport today was “horrendous and deeply shocking”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sir Keir said: “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.”

14:52

These latest pictures show emergency services at the scene on Hart Road in Southport today.

14:38

Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram asks that people don’t spread “unconfirmed speculation” about today’s major incident in Southport.

In a statement on X, he said:

Like you, I’m deeply concerned to hear about the incident in Southport this morning. I have been in contact with the police and am being kept updated on the situation. Please wait for official updates. Don’t spread unconfirmed speculation and false information.

14:29

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says she has spoken with Merseyside Police about today’s major incident in Southport.

She posted the following statement on social media platform X:

I am deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport. All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected. I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding.

14:09

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has declared a major incident at the hospital following today’s events in Southport.

A spokesperson from the hospital said:

“The Trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy. We ask parents to only bring their children to the Emergency Department if it is urgent.

“All other appointments and services are running as normal.”

North West Ambulance Service has also released a statement saying they are in attendance dealing with “multiple stabbings”.

The full statement is here:

“North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.

We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.

So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.”

Merseyside Police said it had received reports of a stabbing. It has also been made clear by police that there is no wider threat to the public.

The latest statement says: “There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.

“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.

“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”

Visit the Merseyside Police website for the latest news HERE.

Get the latest for Liverpool City Region HERE.