Two children killed, six critical alongside two heroic adults after boy, 17, launched knife rampage in Southport

29 July 2024, 19:05 | Updated: 30 July 2024, 05:20

Two children were killed and nine injured following a knife attack in Southport on Monday - with six left in critical condition.

Two adults, who were trying to protect the children, were also left in critical condition, police said.

The children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a holiday club when a 17-year-old with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.

"We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," she added.

She went on to say the motivation behind the stabbings "remains unclear".

"Counter-Terrorism Police North-West have offered their support to Merseyside Police as the full circumstances of what has happened are being established," she said.

"At this moment in time, the investigation is not being treated as terrorist-related."

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with the attack.

The teenager, born in Wales, was arrested on Monday morning and remains in police custody, Merseyside Police said. He will be questioned about the incident.

Emergency services were called to a property on Hart Street, Southport at around 11.50am.

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A police statement said: "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 was born in 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."

North-West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin told a press conference the knife attack would leave a "lasting impact on the whole community".

Mr Kitchin also confirmed 11 casualties were treated at what he described as a "devastating scene".

'Scene in a horror movie'

A local business owner, who was one of the people who called the police, said the incident was like a "scene in a horror movie."

Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven "young girls" had been stabbed.

He said: "The mothers are coming here now and screaming.

"It is like a scene from a horror movie."

"Police have got him," he added.

"It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."

Jack Mitchell, who works on Hart Street in Southport, told LBC he believed the building where the attack took place was a daycare centre.

"It's just a few houses up the road, I think it is a daycare but it's just on a residential street," he said. 

The local told LBC his colleague had seen "kids being carried out of one of the houses."

Locals have been urged to stay away from the town centre.

Police are asking people not to speculate and that they will release more details as soon as they can.

'Deeply concerned'

Home Secrtary Yvette Cooper said she was "deeply concerned" about 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."

Merseyside's Police & Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: "Like everyone, I am deeply shocked and concerned about the major incident in Southport this morning.

"An arrest has been made and there is no wider risk to the public.

"I would urge people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate about this incident.

"Official updates will follow shortly."

'Utterly horrific'

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to the two children killed in the attack in Southport.

“My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today,” the royals wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute.William and Kate wrote on X: "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.

"We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.

"Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most."