Southport stabbing latest: Two children killed and nine injured during knife attack at dance class
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Two children have been killed while six others remain in a critical condition after a “horrendous” stabbing at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop in Southport.
Two adults also remain critically ill in hospital with knife injuries after “bravely” trying to protect the young victims.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related. Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear, and the teenager remains in custody.
Armed police detained him and seized a knife after officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street on Monday.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area around the street after the force was alerted to the incident at around 11.50am.
Witnesses described hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the scene.
Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs, said he believed that six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed. He went on: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming.
“It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
Have you been affected by this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
Two children killed in Southport knife attack
Six children and two adults remain in critical condition
Police called to dance studio hosting children’s Taylor Swift themed workshop
Multiple casualties reported in major incident as police detain man
Watch: Southport stabbing police press conference in full
04:00 , Holly Evans
Watch: Southport stabbing police press conference in full
ICYMI: Full statement from the prime minister
03:00 , Holly Evans
The Prime Minister said: “The events today are just truly awful and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.
“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and with the wider community.
“It is impossible to imagine what they are going through right now.”
Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”
Local residents describe horror at stabbing attack
02:00 , Holly Evans
A local resident said she left work immediately to check on her daughters when she heard news of the attack in Southport, adding that parents have been checking in with one another.
Joanne Newman told BBC News: “I got a call from a very, very good friend of mine, I was in work completely oblivious to it and as soon as she told me I literally ran out of work.
“I don’t know how I managed to drive back to be fair – my priority was just my girls, my girls, my girls.
“I knew my eldest daughter was taking her to a friend’s house and I’m just so thankful to God that they’re safe.”
She continued: “Nobody can believe it, all the local mums have checked in with one another – I’m sure we’re all going to know somebody from that awful, that poor group. But the parents I checked in on, my girls and I just ran to the crowd because I just thought, you put your NHS head on don’t you?
“The mother that I was just consoling, just the look on her face because she knew something had happened to her child, it’s like ‘oh my gosh’, how do you even comprehend – there’s nothing you can do.”
Video: Police at scene of Southport stabbings as children among injured
01:00 , Holly Evans
Video: Police at scene of Southport stabbings as children among injured
Horrific scenes reported by local eyewitnesses caught up in the chaos of attack
Tuesday 30 July 2024 00:00 , Holly Evans
Ryan Carney, who lives with his mother Hayley on Hart Street, said he rushed home from work to be with her after she saw the incident.
Speaking to reporters at the police cordon, he said: “She went out to see what was going on, because she could hear screaming and crying, so she goes out.
“All she said was she saw members of, I don’t know, either police or ambulance, carrying out a few bodies of girls.
“They were in white, but covered in red, covered in blood. She said she could see the stab wounds in the backs of the children. That’s what she saw.
“My brother’s been with her, he’s 13, he’s witnessed it. She’s gone in the house and made cups of coffee and stuff for the fire service and everything like that.
“She came out and there was a woman who was screaming, saying she can’t find her child.
“They let her into the cordon and she ran down and all she could hear was screaming and crying, saying, ‘That’s my child! That’s my child!’
“She’s gone inside to the house, I’ve called her, she’s in a terrible, terrible way.”
Mothers heard screaming after Taylor Swift dance class turned into horror knife attack in Southport
Monday 29 July 2024 23:00 , Holly Evans
Normally a place of rest and relaxation, the Hart Space is set back from an unassuming residential street in Southport.
Often hosting events for mothers and babies, the community venue in Hart Street was holding a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday morning.
But what was meant to be a happy school holiday event turned to horror - with two children killed and nine others injured in a knife attack at the property.
Read the full article here:
Mothers heard screaming after Taylor Swift dance class turned into knife attack
Golfer Tommy Fleetwood says he is ‘absolutely heartbroken’ by the news
Monday 29 July 2024 22:00 , Holly Evans
Golfer Tommy Fleetwood, who was born in Southport, posted on X: “I am absolutely heartbroken at the news coming out of Southport today.
“My thoughts are with the families of the children who were tragically killed and injured.
“What they are going through is unimaginable.
“As a parent myself it’s difficult to even comprehend what has happened and what they have ahead of them, but I know the whole community in Southport will come together to support them.
“My heart will always be in Southport and together with my family we are sending all of our love to the people of my hometown.”
Everything we know about Southport stabbing as two children killed
Monday 29 July 2024 21:30 , Holly Evans
Two children have been killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Six other children remain in critical condition in hospital with stab injuries, while two adults who were believed to be protecting the young victims remain critically ill.
Armed officers detained a 17-year-old boy from Banks and seized a knife after attending Hart Street in Southport at 11.50am on Monday.
Read the full article here:
Everything we know about Southport stabbing as two children killed
Prince William and Kate describe attack as ‘horrid and heinous'
Monday 29 July 2024 21:11 , Holly Evans
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Prince and Princess of Wales described the stabbing attack in Southport which killed two children as “horrid and heinous”.
The statement said: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.
“We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.
“Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.
“W & C.”
As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.
We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.
Thank you also to the emergency…— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 29, 2024
Archbishop of Canterbury offers prayers to victims of ‘appalling’ attack
Monday 29 July 2024 20:55 , Holly Evans
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “My prayers are with the victims of the appalling stabbings in Southport today - and especially with the parents and loved ones of the two children who were killed.
“I pray that God would draw near and comfort them in this unimaginable grief.
“I pray too for those who were injured, their families and those caring for them, and for those who witnessed and responded to this devastating attack.”
Liverpool FC and Everton FC send their support
Monday 29 July 2024 20:35 , Holly Evans
Liverpool FC and Everton FC have sent their support to those who have been injured and killed in the stabbing on Hart Street.
The two football clubs posted a joint statement on X, saying: “Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs come together to send our love and support to all those affected by today’s tragic events in Southport.
“You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Liverpool and @Everton football clubs come together to send our love and support to all those affected by today’s tragic events in Southport.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️💙— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 29, 2024
King Charles and Queen Camilla send their condolences to victims
Monday 29 July 2024 20:20 , Holly Evans
King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla have sent their condolences to those affected in Southport today, describing it as “utterly horrific”.
A message from His Majesty The King following the tragic incident in Southport today. pic.twitter.com/4aUK8btptX
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 29, 2024
Watch: Southport stabbing police press conference in full
Monday 29 July 2024 20:11 , Holly Evans
Watch: Southport stabbing police press conference in full
Latest pictures from Hart Street
Monday 29 July 2024 20:00 , Holly Evans
Rishi Sunak offers condolences to victims of stabbing attack
Monday 29 July 2024 19:49 , Holly Evans
In a social media post, former prime minister Rishi Sunak shared his condolences to the victims of today’s stabbing in Southport
Shocked by the horrendous attack in Southport today.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims.
Thank you to the emergency services for their response so far.— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 29, 2024
Southport MP leaves London after ‘horrific attack'
Monday 29 July 2024 19:44 , Holly Evans
Southport’s MP says he is leaving London and heading back to his constituency after today’s knife attack.
In a statement posted on X, Patrick Hurley says he is “deeply saddened” by the news that two children have been killed.
“I hope for the swift recovery of all the other victims of this senseless attack,” he adds.
“This is shocking news for our community but we will stand strong against this mindless violence and I will work with other community leaders to help our town and our community pull through this horrific incident.”
My statement following today's horrific attack in Southport. pic.twitter.com/qDnBmtnMDL
— Patrick Hurley (@patrick_hurley) July 29, 2024
Police commissioner condemns attack on ‘innocent, defenceless’ children
Monday 29 July 2024 19:37 , Holly Evans
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “I am utterly shocked and devastated to hear about the truly appalling incident this morning in Southport.
“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the young victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. I cannot even imagine the untold pain and heartache they are facing. My thoughts are also with all those who suffered injuries and who have been affected by this harrowing incident.
“To hear that innocent, defenceless children have been attacked during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school as they enjoyed the start of the school summer holidays is unthinkable and absolutely abhorrent.
“These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness.
“Our region will be heartbroken that more young lives have been lost at the hands of violence and more have suffered serious injuries, and I share local people’s deep concern and anguish.
“Thanks to the efforts of police officers, an arrest was made quickly and there is no wider threat to the public.”
Prime minister says events are ‘truly awful’
Monday 29 July 2024 19:30 , Holly Evans
The Prime Minister said: “The events today are just truly awful and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.
“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and with the wider community.
“It is impossible to imagine what they are going through right now.”
Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”
Motivation behind attack ‘remains unclear'
Monday 29 July 2024 19:23 , Holly Evans
The motivation behind the knife attack in Southport “remains unclear”, according to police.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference: “The investigation is at its early stages and the motivation for the incident remains unclear.
“However, Counter-Terrorism Police North-West have offered their support to Merseyside Police as the full circumstances of what has happened are being established.
“At this moment in time, the investigation is not being treated as terrorist-related.”
‘Substantial number’ of ambulances sent to the scene
Monday 29 July 2024 19:16 , Holly Evans
North West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin said a “substantial number of ambulances” and specialised resources were dispatched to the scene.
“Tragically, we can confirm that two lives have sadly been cut short,” he said.
“No doubt this incident will have a lasting impact on the whole community,” he added.
Adults who were injured ‘bravely’ trying to defend children
Monday 29 July 2024 19:06 , Holly Evans
In a press conference, chief constable Serena Kennedy says she believes the two adults who have been critically injured were attempting to protect the young victims.
It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked,” she adds.
“As a mum and a nana, I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through.”
Six children and two adults remain in critical condition
Monday 29 July 2024 19:04 , Holly Evans
Two children have died after a knife attack in Southport on Monday, according to police.
Nine other children have been injured, with six of the nine being in a critical condition. All those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack.
Two adults are also in a critical condition.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when a 17-year-old with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack.
Breaking: Two children killed in Southport knife attack
Monday 29 July 2024 19:00 , Holly Evans
Two children have died and nine have been injured, including six who are in a critical condition, following the stabbings in Southport, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.
Police press conference expected
Monday 29 July 2024 18:28 , Holly Evans
Merseyside Police are due to hold a press conference at Southport Community Fire Centre at 6.30pm.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates here.
Floral tributes left at the scene
Monday 29 July 2024 18:26 , Holly Evans
Local resident heard ‘sinister scream’
Monday 29 July 2024 18:04 , Holly Evans
Joanne Newman said her elder daughter – who had been taking her younger sister to a friend’s house – heard a “sinister scream” around the same time of the stabbing.
She told BBC News: “She said she heard quite a sinister scream and literally she’d got back from taking my daughter – we don’t know roughly what time it was but it was similar timing, and then all the commotion had gone on, so looking back at the timescales that potentially could have been – but she said it was a very untoward, unusual scream, so we don’t know.”
Police cordon off house in the village of Banks
Monday 29 July 2024 17:51 , Holly Evans
Police have cordoned off a street with officers stationed outside a house in the village of Banks, about three miles from the stabbing incident.
It is not yet clear if the two incidents are linked.
Two police cars are stationed on Old School Close, with more police vehicles and officers behind the cordon.
Locals said Matrix police, the armed unit of Merseyside Police, descended on the address shortly after the incident in Southport.
Local resident describes fear among Southport parents
Monday 29 July 2024 17:41 , Holly Evans
A local resident said she left work immediately to check on her daughters when she heard news of the attack in Southport, adding that parents have been checking in with one another.
Joanne Newman told BBC News: “I got a call from a very, very good friend of mine, I was in work completely oblivious to it and as soon as she told me I literally ran out of work.
“I don’t know how I managed to drive back to be fair – my priority was just my girls, my girls, my girls.
“I knew my eldest daughter was taking her to a friend’s house and I’m just so thankful to God that they’re safe.”
She continued: “Nobody can believe it, all the local mums have checked in with one another – I’m sure we’re all going to know somebody from that awful, that poor group. But the parents I checked in on, my girls and I just ran to the crowd because I just thought, you put your NHS head on don’t you?
“The mother that I was just consoling, just the look on her face because she knew something had happened to her child, it’s like ‘oh my gosh’, how do you even comprehend – there’s nothing you can do.”
Full statement from Merseyside Police
Monday 29 July 2024 17:34 , Holly Evans
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.
“At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.
“We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“Any updates will be provided to the public when available.
“Communities can also follow Merseyside Police on social media for updates and if they want to submit information, they can do so on the Merseyside Police website or Crimestoppers.”
Teenage boy arrested in connection with Southport stabbings
Monday 29 July 2024 17:21 , Holly Evans
A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested in connection with the stabbings in Southport and the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related, Merseyside Police said.
The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Latest pictures from the scene
Monday 29 July 2024 17:16 , Holly Evans
Bishop of Liverpool prays for 'peace, calm and reassurance’
Monday 29 July 2024 16:54 , Athena Stavrou
Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, said: “Like so many, I am shocked and saddened by the news from Southport. My prayers are, and will remain, with all those affected by this tragedy.
“I am deeply grateful for the quick response of all the emergency services and pray for all those called to care for the victims and support those affected by this incident.
“I know events such as this are unsettling for the community and I pray for peace, calm and reassurance for all affected.”
Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner praises emergency service response
Monday 29 July 2024 16:52 , Athena Stavrou
Donna Jones, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “I am deeply concerned to hear about the major incident in Southport today. My thoughts are with the children and families injured. This incident is one that has shaken the community, not just in Southport but across the UK.
“Well done to Merseyside police for apprehending the suspect quickly and confirming he is in police custody. The police have asked the public not to speculate on social media in order to ensure the police investigation can take place as needed.”
Recap: What we know so far
Monday 29 July 2024 16:42 , Athena Stavrou
- Eight people, including children, were stabbed on Hart Street, Southport on Monday morning.
- The attack happened at a Taylor Swift themed children’s dance class at a community space that runs baby yoga and school holiday activities.
- One child is believed to have been killed, a local councillor said.
- Police have arrested one man and retrieved a knife.
Door for children’s dance class usually left unlocked, says staff member
Monday 29 July 2024 16:30 , Athena Stavrou
A staff member at the Hart Space, where a knife attack took place at a children’s class today, told The Telegraph that the front door to the property was usually left unlocked.
They said there was no other way out of the address in case of a fire.
She told the paper: “We’ve just been told that the door was open downstairs but it’s always open because there’s no alternative exit from that room. There’s no fire door.
“Also we have to keep it open as the children want to go to the toilet constantly and it’s just outside the door – the toilets.
“It’s a lock with a key – you’d have to keep all the kids locked in with a key.”
“The Hart Space is the most lovely, lovely relaxing place. Usually, it’s for babies.
“It’s a holistic kind of thing – for yoga and all that type of thing. For babies and pregnant women.”
‘A man has gone out and ruined those kids lives’ - local community distraught in attack aftermath
Monday 29 July 2024 16:27 , Athena Stavrou
Local residents have expressed their shock and heartbreak after a knife attack injured several children at a dance class.
Alaina Riley, 18, told the Liverpool ECHO: “Those kids will be traumatised for life. They went to go for a Taylor Swift workshop. Those kids are on holiday - they’re living their lives and doing what they love to do.
““My thoughts go out to the kids and their families. It’s horrific to hear. The local community will be devastated. Knife crime is a big thing now. A man has gone out and ruined those kids lives.”
One child believed to be dead in attack
Monday 29 July 2024 16:13 , Athena Stavrou
Norwood councillor Greg Myers said he had attended the scene in Southport on Monday where a police officer had told him a child had died following the attack on Hart Street.
When asked if he could confirm the death of a child, Mr Myers told the PA news agency: “That is my understanding of the situation.”
Watch: Police at scene of Southport stabbings as children among injured
Monday 29 July 2024 16:07 , Athena Stavrou
Local residents saw children ‘covered in blood'
Monday 29 July 2024 16:01 , Athena Stavrou
Ryan Carney, who lives with his mother Hayley on Hart Street, said he rushed home from work to be with her after she saw the incident.
Speaking to reporters at the police cordon, he said: “She went out to see what was going on, because she could hear screaming and crying, so she goes out.
“All she said was she saw members of, I don’t know, either police or ambulance, carrying out a few bodies of girls.
“They were in white, but covered in red, covered in blood. She said she could see the stab wounds in the backs of the children. That’s what she saw.
“My brother’s been with her, he’s 13, he’s witnessed it. She’s gone in the house and made cups of coffee and stuff for the fire service and everything like that.
“She came out and there was a woman who was screaming, saying she can’t find her child.
“They let her into the cordon and she ran down and all she could hear was screaming and crying, saying, ‘That’s my child! That’s my child!’
“She’s gone inside to the house, I’ve called her, she’s in a terrible, terrible way.”
Eyewitness says stabbing happened at sold Taylor Swift themed event
Monday 29 July 2024 16:00 , Athena Stavrou
Ryan Carney, who lives with his mother Hayley on Hart Street said the incident took place in a location with a garage and a gym, at a holiday club where children play Lego.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, he said: “It’s like a Taylor Swift club thing, it’s on Facebook. Even yesterday or this morning they put out that it’s sold out.”
Mr Carney said at the location he saw a green bag on the floor, which he believed was a body bag.
He added: “All this stuff never really happens around here. You hear of it, stabbings and stuff like that in major cities, your Manchesters, your Londons. This is sunny Southport. That’s what people call it. The sun’s out. It’s a lovely place to be.
“It’s a seaside town, everyone comes from Liverpool, from Manchester, it’s nice seaside.”
Watch: Southport eyewitness recalls multiple air ambulances attending scene of stabbing attack
Monday 29 July 2024 15:49 , Holly Evans
An eyewitness recalled seeing emergency services “speeding up and down the road” following a major incident in Southport on Monday, 29 July.
A North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) spokesperson said it had treated eight patients with stab injuries who were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.
Merseyside Police confirmed that armed officers detained a male, who was taken to a station, and seized a knife.
There is no wider threat to the public, authorities added.
The public has been urged to avoid the area around Hart Street.
Local resident Ian Uzzell told Sky News several air ambulances also arrived on the scene.
Watch below:
Local resident saw ten-year-old girl with stab wounds
Monday 29 July 2024 15:41 , Athena Stavrou
One resident, who lives on Hart Street but did not want to be named, said he was at home about midday when a woman pulled up outside in her car, screaming.
He said: “She was screaming ‘my daughter’s been stabbed’. The woman was in hysterics. Then two police cars rushed up the street the other way.
“It was a mum with her 10-year-old daughter who had been stabbed.
“I helped to get her back up to where the police cars and ambulances were.
“She didn’t look great but my focus was on getting her back up the street to get help.
“When I got back up the street there were a couple of kids on the floor being seen to by paramedics and, as I came back, more police cars were going down and more ambulances gradually started to arrive.”
Air ambulance amongst emergency responders
Monday 29 July 2024 15:22 , Athena Stavrou
Great North Air Ambulance, which is based in Cumbria and the north east, said it responded to the stabbings in Southport on Monday.
In a statement, the charity said: “Earlier today, we responded to reports of a major incident in #Southport. Our doctor-led crew worked alongside @nwairambulance, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and other emergency services.
“We delivered advanced emergency care to one patient before accompanying them to hospital by road.”
Crowds gathered at scene
Monday 29 July 2024 15:20 , Athena Stavrou
A large police cordon has been put up around the building on Hart Road, police officers guarding either end.
Officers and vehicles can be seen from a distance inside the cordon, including scenes-of-crime officers in white boiler suits.
A large and growing media presence with reporters, photographers and TV crews have assembled at the police tape.
Dozens of police cars, vans, fire engines and ambulances are also assembled a short distance away at a local school.
Eyewitness saw ‘seven to ten kids’ running from nursery while bleeding
Monday 29 July 2024 15:17 , Athena Stavrou
Eye-witness Bare Varathan, 35, who owns a corner shop on Hart Street, said he was called by a staff member who told him, “Boss, get to the shop!”
He said: “I saw seven to ten kids outside the nursery. They were injured, bleeding. They were in the road, running from the nursery.
“They had been stabbed, here, here, here, everywhere. (Mr Varathan indicated the neck, back and chest area).
“They were all aged about ten. One of them was really seriously injured.
“I hope they will be OK. Only two police jeeps and ambulances arrived, then armed police came and took him out of the nursery.
“Somebody told me he had arrived in a taxi and had a knife.”
Police called to pregnancy and baby class studio
Monday 29 July 2024 15:16 , Athena Stavrou
Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he called police to an address in Hart Street behind which is The Hart Space studios.
One of the events listed at The Hart Space at the time of the stabbings was a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children in school years two to six, aged between six and 11.
Southport business owner recalls huge emergency response
Monday 29 July 2024 15:07 , Athena Stavrou
A Southport business owner has said locals could tell “something major had happened” on Hart Street due to the number of sirens.
Leigh Walton, who owns Yates Motor Engineers, told Sky News he could see the aftermath of the stabbings from his garage.
He said: “The first thing I knew was all the sirens going up and down the street, I could hear something major had happened.
“Then the police helicopters and multiple air ambulances, you could just tell it was something big, something major.”
Asked if there is concern among locals, Mr Walton added: “Yeah, there is.
“When the news reports came in that the male had been caught, the police reassured everyone there was no further risk to the public, that was a great relief.”
Latest pictures from the scene
Monday 29 July 2024 14:58 , Athena Stavrou
‘Horrendous and deeply shocking news’ - Sir Keir Starmer
Monday 29 July 2024 14:54 , Athena Stavrou
In a post on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the incident in Southport was “horrendous and deeply shocking”.
He said: “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.”
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
Mapped: Where did the major incident take place?
Monday 29 July 2024 14:51 , Athena Stavrou
Home Secretary thanks emergency services in Commons
Monday 29 July 2024 14:44 , Athena Stavrou
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has thanked the emergency services for their “swift and courageous response” to the “awful incident” in Southport after reports of multiple stabbings.
She told the Commons: “Before I respond to the first question, I want to simply say that I know the whole House will be concerned at the extremely serious incident that has taken place in Southport.
“All of our thoughts will be with the family and loved ones of those who are affected.
“I have been in contact with the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and the Merseyside Mayor to convey my support to the police and thanks to the police and emergency services for their swift and courageous response.
“The response to this awful incident is currently unfolding and the House and the public will be updated in due course.”
Local parent says daughter ‘traumatised’ after being involved in attack
Monday 29 July 2024 14:30 , Athena Stavrou
A local parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter was “traumatised” by the attack.
He said: “My daughter was in it and she was traumatised.
“She ran away and she’s safe.”
Home Secretary releases statement
Monday 29 July 2024 14:29 , Athena Stavrou
Yvette Cooper has expressed her concern after a major in Southport has seen eight people - including children - be treated for stab wounds.
The Home Secretary wrote on X: “I am deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport. All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected. I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding.”
I am deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport. All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected.
I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding.— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) July 29, 2024
Local MP ‘deeply concerned’ by reports
Monday 29 July 2024 14:26 , Athena Stavrou
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said he was “deeply concerned” by the reports coming from Merseyside Police.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “I am deeply concerned by the reports coming from Merseyside Police about a major incident on Hart Street in Southport today.
“I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones and to the entire community.
“The police have confirmed that an individual involved in the attack has now been detained.
“I am repeating the advice of the police to avoid the area whilst the police and ambulance teams support this incident.”
I am deeply concerned by the reports coming from Merseyside Police about a major incident on Hart Street in Southport today.
I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected. My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones and to the entire… https://t.co/TXCR0og9yI— Patrick Hurley (@patrick_hurley) July 29, 2024
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital urges parents to only bring children for ‘urgent’ issues
Monday 29 July 2024 14:17 , Athena Stavrou
In a statement, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said: “We can confirm that the trust has declared a major incident.
“The trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our emergency department is currently extremely busy.
“We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent.
“All other appointments and services are running as normal.”
Local business owner describes ‘horror movie’ scene
Monday 29 July 2024 14:05 , Athena Stavrou
A local business owner, who was one of the people who called the police, said the incident in Southport was like a “scene in a horror movie.”
Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed.
He told the PA news agency: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
“Police have got him,” he added. “It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.”
Children among eight stabbed
Monday 29 July 2024 14:03 , Tara Cobham
Eight patients with stab injuries have been treated at the scene in Southport so far and taken to hospitals including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, North West Ambulance Service said.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, NWAS said: “North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11.48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.
“We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), air ambulance and merit doctors to the scene.
“So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.”
Merseyside Police’s full statement on incident
Monday 29 July 2024 14:01 , Tara Cobham
“We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July.
“At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.
“There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.
“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.
“Follow us for further updates.”
Multiple casualties reported in major incident as police detain man
Monday 29 July 2024 14:00 , Tara Cobham
Multiple casualties have been reported in a major stabbing incident in Southport.
Armed police have detained a man and seized a knife after officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street on Monday.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area around the street after the force was alerted to the incident at around 11.50am.
Everything we know about Southport stabbing as two children killed
Monday 29 July 2024 20:57 , Holly Evans
Two children have been killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Six other children remain in critical condition in hospital with stab injuries, while two adults who were believed to be protecting the young victims remain critically ill.
Armed officers detained a 17-year-old boy from Banks and seized a knife after attending Hart Street in Southport at 11.50am on Monday.
Read the full article here:
Everything we know about Southport stabbing as two children killed
ICYMI: Full statement from the prime minister
Monday 29 July 2024 21:06 , Holly Evans
The Prime Minister said: “The events today are just truly awful and I know the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.
“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and with the wider community.
“It is impossible to imagine what they are going through right now.”
Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”
