Two children have tragically lost their lives and nine others, including two adults, were left injured following a shocking knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, England on July 29, 2024. The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. local time at a property on Hart Street in the town.
According to reports from various sources, including Merseyside Police and local media outlets, the attacker walked into the premises armed with a knife and began attacking children who were attending the event. The two adults present bravely intervened to protect the young victims.
Six of the injured children are currently in critical condition at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, while two adults remain in critical condition at Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital. A 17-year-old male from Banks was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Counterterrorism Police Northwest have offered their support to the investigation. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy has stated that it is not being treated as a terror-related incident at this time.
The Taylor Swift-themed dance event was held at Hart Space, which offers yoga and dance classes for children aged 6 to 11. The community of Southport is in shock following the tragic incident, with local business owner Colin Parry describing the scene as “like a scene from a horror movie.”
The Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust declared a “major incident” in response to the attack and asked parents only to bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent. The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing.
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