This Monday, in Southport, northwest England, a 17-year-old boy killed two children and injured nine others, six of them critically, in a stabbing attack. Two adults are in critical condition, officials confirmed. Witnesses told local media that they saw small children being treated for injuries at the scene.
Merseyside Police said the suspect was arrested and a knife seized from him after being called at 11.50am.
The stabbing took place during a themed event about American singer Taylor Swift at a local dance school. “It is unthinkable and absolutely despicable to know that innocent and defenseless children were attacked at a Taylor Swift event enjoying the start of the school summer holidays,” said Emily Spurrell of Merseyside Police.
Officials said terrorism was unlikely. Officials added that the arrested youth hailed from Banks, a village not far from Southport. “At this early stage, we are investigating a motive for this tragic incident and ask the public not to speculate,” police said.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said its emergency department was extremely busy. He requested parents to take their children to the service.
At the scene of the incident, bouquets of flowers are already piling up in memory of the victims. They began to be released in the morning – police officers who surrounded the perimeter were told by residents to place branches near the wall of the dance school – and they continued to appear.
Rebecca Armstrong, 50, told the British newspaper Guardian He felt the need to “go” there to pay his respects. “I wanted to show that we care about the children, the families. Our thoughts are with them,” he said. And society is “suffering” from this “worst sad situation”.
“Horrible and deeply shocking news from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at X. “I want to thank the police and emergency services for their quick response. I am kept informed as there are developments.”
In a statement, King Charles III had already expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of those affected by the “horrific” attack and to “all those affected”.
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