Northern England
Two Children Killed and Nine Injured in Knife Attack at Dance Class
SOUTHPORT, England – A horrifying knife attack at a children's dance class in Southport, a coastal town in northern England, claimed the lives of two children and left nine others injured on Monday morning. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation at large.
The attack occurred around 11:50 a.m. local time at a community center on Hart Street, where a "Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop" for primary school children was being held. Merseyside Police confirmed that a 17-year-old male suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. A knife was recovered at the scene, and the suspect is currently in custody.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulance units, were dispatched to the scene immediately following reports of the stabbing. The North West Ambulance Service reported that eight children and two adults were treated for stab wounds. The injured were transported to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital declared a "major incident," indicating that their emergency department was under significant strain. "Our emergency department is currently extremely busy," the hospital stated, emphasizing their collaboration with other emergency services to manage the situation.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as children, some as young as six, fled the community center covered in blood. Tim Johnson, a local journalist from Eye on Southport, recounted seeing a bloodied girl on a stretcher, with her parents running after her in distress. "It was horrendous. I’ve never seen anything like it," Johnson told the BBC.
Bare Varathan, a nearby shop owner, described seeing between seven and ten bleeding children running from the community center. "They had been stabbed here, here, here, everywhere," he said, pointing to his neck, back, and chest. "They were all aged about 10. One of them was really seriously injured."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "horrendous and deeply shocking news." In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, thanking the police and emergency services for their prompt response. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends, and the wider community," Starmer said.
Patrick Hurley, Member of Parliament for Southport, echoed these sentiments, expressing his "deep concern" and hope for the best possible outcomes for those injured. "My thoughts are with all affected, their families, and the entire community," Hurley stated.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that the motive for the attack remains unclear but have ruled out terrorism as a factor. Authorities assured the public that there is no broader threat to community safety and that no additional suspects are being sought. "Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind this tragic event," police noted.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police praised the bravery of the adults who were injured while trying to protect the children. "Emergency services arriving at the scene found multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries," Kennedy said.
The community of Southport, known for its beaches and Victorian architecture, is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented violence. Monday marked the first day of the school summer holidays, adding to the shock and sorrow felt by residents.
The attack has reignited concerns over knife crime in the UK, where knives were used in about 40% of homicides in the year to March 2023. Several high-profile incidents and a recent rise in knife crime have led to calls for the government to implement stricter measures to curb the use of bladed weapons.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of two young lives and prays for the recovery of those injured. The Southport community, along with the rest of the country, remains united in grief and solidarity, hoping for answers and justice in the wake of this senseless tragedy.