2 Children Killed, 9 Injured at Taylor Swift-Themed Event in UK

(CTN News) – Two youngsters were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift-themed event in northwest England, and a 17-year-old male suspect was apprehended, police said Monday.

He was arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder. Nine more children were injured, six of them badly, and two adults were critically injured.

“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children,” stated Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.

She stated that when rescue personnel arrived on the site, they discovered “multiple people, many of whom were children, who had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.”

An internet advertisement advertised the event as a yoga and dance class for youngsters aged six to eleven.

Merseyside Police said the motivation for the attack was unknown, but it was not thought to be terrorism-related, and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

Police said armed officers apprehended the person and recovered a knife after responding to a complaint around 11:50 a.m. (1050 GMT) to an address in Southport, north of Liverpool.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles both expressed outrage at the attack and offered their condolences to those involved.

“The events today are just truly awful, and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they’ve seen and what they’ve heard,” Starmer told reporters.
King Charles described it as a “truly appalling attack.”

Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected.

I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.

I am being kept updated as the situation develops.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 29, 2024

“My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today,” Charles stated in a statement.

“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.”