Two children killed in UK knife attack at dance class
Police say the attack in Southport, near Liverpool, was not being treated as terror-related.
Police secure the area, where a man has been detained and a knife has been seized after a number of people were injured in a reported stabbing, in Southport, Merseyside, England, Monday July 29, 2024. (James Speakman/PA via AP)
LONDON: An attacker with a knife killed two children and wounded 11 other people, including six youths in critical condition, at a dance class in northern England on Monday (Jul 29), police said.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in Southport, near Liverpool in northwest England.
Two adults are also in critical condition.
"We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children," said Chief Constable Serena Kennedy from Merseyside Police, calling the incident a "ferocious attack".
Kennedy said that the attack was not being treated as terror-related, and that the attacker's motivation was unclear.
All of those injured had been stabbed, she added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the media that "the events today are just truly awful, the whole country is deeply shocked".
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, families, friends and wider community. It is almost impossible to imagine the grief," he said.
Police were called to a property that was hosting a Taylor Swift-themed dance class for young children shortly before midday, Kennedy said.
The suspect apparently walked in from the street and started to attack the children, while adults in the room tried to protect them, Kennedy said.
Armed officers arrived and detained the suspect. A knife was seized.
King Charles III said that it was a "truly appalling attack".
"My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today," Charles said 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."
Prince William and his wife Katherine posted on X that "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", calling it a "heinous attack".
