Knife attack during Taylor Swift event leaves two children dead and several injured in Southport

Knife Attack During Taylor Swift Event Leaves Two Children Dead and Several Injured in Southport

Southport, Merseyside - A tragic knife attack on Monday morning, July 29, has left two children dead and multiple others injured during a Taylor Swift-themed event at a local dance school in Southport, north of Liverpool. Merseyside Police confirmed that the incident resulted in nine other children suffering stab wounds, with six in critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition, reportedly injured while attempting to protect the children.

Incident Details

The police were alerted to the stabbing around 11:47 am and swiftly responded to the scene on Hart Street. According to Merseyside Police, a 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but residing in Banks, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He is currently in custody and will be questioned by detectives. The knife used in the attack was seized by armed police.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the scene as "shocking" and characterised the attack as "ferocious". The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and while the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related, Counter-Terrorism Police North-West are involved in supporting the ongoing investigation.

Victims and Casualties

The victims were attending a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop at The Hart Space, a facility located within Norwood Business Park, offering various pregnancy and child-related classes. The workshop, which was running from 10 am to 12 pm, was targeted by the assailant who walked into the premise armed with a knife and started attacking those present.

Many of the casualties were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital. Alder Hey has declared a 'major incident' due to the severity of the injuries and has asked parents to only bring their children to the hospital if absolutely urgent. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) dispatched 13 ambulances and specialised resources such as the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance, and Merit Doctors to manage the situation.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents and witnesses described a chaotic and harrowing scene. Bare Varathan, a local shop owner, recounted seeing seven to ten injured children exiting the nursery, "bleeding from their neck, back, and chest areas," and estimated their ages around ten years old. Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, helped a panicked mother whose daughter had been stabbed, calling it a scene reminiscent of a "horror movie."

The incident drew significant police and emergency service presence, with large parts of the area cordoned off. Scenes-of-crime officers and police vehicles remained on site throughout the day. Additionally, Merseyside Police cordoned off a housing estate in Banks, located approximately 15 minutes away from Hart Street, in connection with the incident.

Reaction and Support

Community leaders and public figures expressed their condolences and shock at the attack. Broadcaster Adele Roberts, originally from Southport, shared her heartbreak on social media, offering support to the affected families. Other celebrities, including Dan Walker and Judi Love, also shared their sympathies online.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, addressing the media and the public, expressed deep sorrow, stating, "As a mum of two daughters and a nana of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies are with them.”

Kennedy urged those with any information to come forward to aid the investigation and reminded the community that specialist family liaison officers are on hand to provide support to the affected families.

Ongoing Investigation

Merseyside Police have emphasised the importance of not speculating about the incident’s motive while the investigation is still in its early stages. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact

Moreover, the police have reiterated that no further suspects are being sought in connection with the attack. However, they continue to work meticulously to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

This devastating event has left the Southport community and the broader public in shock, grappling for answers and seeking solace in an otherwise peaceful locality.