UK: Two Children Killed in Knife Attack at Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class
London: Two children were killed and nine others were injured in a knife attack targeting a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in northern England on Monday, CNN reported, citing local police.
Knife-Wielding Attacker Targets Children
Merseyside Police confirmed they received reports of a stabbing in Southport, north of Liverpool. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy reported that six of the injured children are in critical condition, with two adults also critically injured. The attacker entered the venue with a knife and began assaulting the children.
"We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," Kennedy said during a news conference on Monday evening.
Major Incident Declared as Emergency Services Respond
Emergency services were called to Southport around 11:50 am (local time) to handle the "major incident." A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Counterterrorism Police Northwest have been involved, but police have stated the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related.
Local Business Owner Describes Horror Scene
Colin Parry, a local business owner who called the police, described the scene as a "horror movie," according to CNN and PA Media. Parry reported that several young girls appeared to have been stabbed, and he noted the distress of the parents arriving at the scene.
"The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie," he said, adding that "police have got him."
Hospital Faces Surge in Patients, Declares Major Incident
The Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust in Liverpool, about 20 miles from Southport, declared a "major incident" in response to the influx of patients. "The Trust is working with other emergency services to manage this situation, and our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy," the hospital stated. "We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent."
King Charles and Queen Camilla Express Profound Shock
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their deep shock at the attack. "My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport," King Charles said in a statement released on the Royal Family's official social media channels. The couple extended their "most heartfelt condolences" to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Condemns Attack and Offers Support
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the incident, stating that the "whole country" is "deeply shocked at what they've seen" in Southport. "I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends, and the wider community. It’s almost impossible to imagine the grief and trauma they are going through," Starmer said, also praising emergency services for their response to the "awful incident."
(With ANI inputs)
