Two children were killed and nine others injured in a knife attack at a dance school in the United Kingdom on Monday, police in Southport, a town in northwest England, said. A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a knife was seized, police said.
Six of the nine injured children are in critical condition, Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy told reporters at a news conference. All of the children suffered stab wounds, Kennedy said.
Two adults injured in the attack are also in critical condition, Kennedy said. Investigators believe the adults were injured while trying to protect the children.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were shocked by the attack, Charles said in a statement posted on social media, calling the assault “utterly horrific.”
“We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack,” Mr Charles said.
Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, also expressed their sympathy to the victims and their families.
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“As parents, we cannot imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport are going through today,” the couple said. “We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrific and heinous attack.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “horrific and deeply shocking”.
“My thoughts are with all those affected,” he said on social media. “I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their quick response. I am being kept informed of the evolving situation.”
Police were notified of the attack at 11:47 a.m., Kennedy said.
“When they arrived they were shocked to find that several people, including many children, had been victims of a vicious attack and had suffered serious injuries,” Mr Kennedy said.
Kennedy did not identify the suspect in custody. She said the teenager lived in Banks, about a 15-minute drive from Southport, and was originally from Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
Investigators are currently working to determine the motive for the attack, police said in a statement.
“The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism-related and we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident,” the statement said.
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The children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at the dance school when the attacker entered with a knife and began attacking, Kennedy said.
“As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victims’ families are going through,” Kennedy added.
The North West Ambulance Service said eight people with stab wounds were taken to regional hospitals, including a children’s facility. The victims’ identities were not immediately available.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has declared a major incident and asked parents not to take their children to the emergency department unless it is urgent, Reuters news agency reported.
Colin Parry, a local business owner who said he called police, told the British Press Association news agency he believed six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed.
“Mothers come here now and scream. It’s like a scene from a horror movie,” he said. “It’s like an American horror movie, not sunny Southport.”
A parent who asked to remain anonymous told the Press Association that her “daughter was in [the attack] and she was traumatized. She ran away and she’s safe.
