Two children killed, 11 injured in ‘vicious’ stabbing attack at UK dance, 17-year-old arrested

LONDON – Two children were killed and nine others injured in a stabbing attack at a dance school in the United Kingdom, police said.

Merseyside Police said six of the injured children were in a critical condition on Tuesday, along with two adults who were also stabbed. The adults appeared to have been injured while protecting the children, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said in a statement.

Police said a 17-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The incident was not being treated as terrorism-related and no other suspects were being sought. The motive was not clear, police said.

Police responded shortly before noon local time to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street in Southport, a coastal town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, according to Merseyside Police. Police said it was a Taylor Swift-themed event.

Kennedy said officers who arrived at the scene were shocked by the “vicious” attack.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrific and deeply shocking”.

He wrote on social media: “My thoughts are with everyone affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their quick response. I will be keeping you updated as the situation develops.”

King Charles issued a statement saying he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were “deeply shocked to hear of the extremely appalling incident in Southport today”.

“We send our deepest condolences, prayers and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly horrific attack,” the royals said in a statement.

“As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport are going through today,” Prince William and Princess Kate said in a statement. “We send our love, thoughts and prayers to everyone involved in this horrific and despicable attack.”

Southport is a city in Merseyside, North West England.

Police said the suspect, who has not been named, was from the coastal village of Banks in Lancashire, just outside Southport. He was originally from Cardiff in Wales, police added.