Southport Stabbings: Two children have been killed in today’s attack

Merseyside Police have held a press conference following today’s major incident in Southport and have confirmed that two children have died.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, MFRS Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside Head of Service Dave Kitchin have addressed media in Southport this evening.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed that two children have died following the incident which took place on Hart Road in Southport this morning.

It was also confirmed that nine children were injured in the “ferocious” attack and two adults are also in a critical condition.

Ms Kennedy said the force believe the adults were injured while “bravely” trying to protect the children.

Read the full statement from Chief Constable Serena Kennedy here:

“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.”

A teenager remains in police custody after at least eight people were injured in a “horror movie” knife attack close to a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class.

Merseyside Police said the stabbings are not being treated as terror-related.

The force said a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, was arrested and is set to be questioned following the “major incident” at a property in Hart Street, Southport, north of Liverpool, at about 11.50am on Monday.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“I am utterly shocked and devastated to hear about the truly appalling incident this morning in Southport.

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the young victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. I cannot even imagine the untold pain and heartache they are facing. My thoughts are also with all those who suffered injuries and who have been affected by this harrowing incident.

“To hear that innocent, defenceless children have been attacked during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school as they enjoyed the start of the school summer holidays is unthinkable and absolutely abhorrent.

“These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness.

“Our region will be heartbroken that more young lives have been lost at the hands of violence and more have suffered serious injuries, and I share local people’s deep concern and anguish.

“I would urge anyone who has been affected by this incident and needs advice or support to contact our Victim Care Merseyside service by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org

Visit the Merseyside Police website HERE.

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