A knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northern England, has resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to nine others. The incident occurred on Monday morning, with Merseyside Police reporting that six of the injured children are in critical condition, along with two adults who were also critically injured.
The attack took place around 11:50 a.m. local time when a 17-year-old boy entered the dance class armed with a knife and began assaulting the children. Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy indicated that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children.
Emergency services declared a “major incident,” and the injured have been transported to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust in Liverpool, about 20 miles from Southport. Although the police have not classified the incident as terror-related, Counterterrorism Police Northwest are assisting with the investigation. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their deep shock and condolences, stating their grief over the horrific incident. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also conveyed that the entire nation is profoundly shaken by the events in Southport.
