https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/29/southport-major-incident-stabbing-po...29 July 2024
Two children were killed and nine others were stabbed on Monday when a hooded man
launched a knife attack in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons and is originally from Cardiff,
moved to the Southport area with his
Rwandan parents when he was aged six.
The attack began just before midday in Southport, Merseyside, as the children, some as young as six, were enjoying the workshop at the beginning of the school holidays.
Six of the wounded children remained in a critical condition on Monday night and were being treated at hospitals across the North West.
Two adults were present at the dance and yoga class and tried to intervene. They were also being treated for stab wounds and were said to be in a critical condition.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, about five miles away from Southport, had been arrested and was being questioned on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
7:00pm
Adults tried to bravely shield the children
6:58pm
Two children have died and another six are in critical condition
4:35pm
What do we know so far
3:00pm
Attack believed to have happened at children’s yoga and dance club
2:15pm
‘Like a scene in a horror movie’
Two children were killed and nine others were stabbed on Monday when a hooded man launched a knife attack in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The attack began just before midday in Southport, Merseyside, as the children, some as young as six, were enjoying the workshop at the beginning of the school holidays.
Six of the wounded children remained in a critical condition on Monday night and were being treated at hospitals across the North West.
Two adults were present at the dance and yoga class and tried to intervene. They were also being treated for stab wounds and were said to be in a critical condition.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, about five miles away from Southport, had been arrested and was being questioned on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Emergency services attend the scene of the 'ferocious attack' on children at a dance class in Southport
Emergency services attend the scene of the 'ferocious attack' on children at a dance class Credit: James Speakman/PA
Forensic officers on the scene in Southport
Forensic officers on the scene in Southport Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons and is originally from Cardiff, moved to the Southport area with his Rwandan parents when he was aged six.
In a press conference, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said that while the incident was not being treated as terror-related, colleagues from counter-terror policing had offered to assist with the investigation.
She said the motivation behind the attack remained unclear.
On Monday evening, the King sent a message of support to the families of the victims.
He said: “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.
“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.”