Two Children Killed in Southport Stabbings; 17-Year-Old Arrested
Knife crime incidents have become increasingly common across England and Wales in recent years. According to the Home Office, in the 12 months to December 2023, some 14,577 offences were recorded.
Today, two children lost their lives and 9 others were injured following a knife attack in northwest England, according to the police, adding that they had arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
This happened in the attack on a Taylor-Swift themed yoga and dance workshop in Southport town near Liverpool.
Police said they had seized a knife from the suspect after being called to a property in Southport at 11:50 am (1050 GMT). They added that the motive behind the incident was unclear.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) reported that it "dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialized resources" and transported patients to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital stated that its emergency department was extremely busy and urged parents to only bring their children in if it was urgent.
Meanwhile, police officials have restricted flights to Southport and cordoned off the incident location.
Local business owner Colin Parry, who was among those who called the police, told the domestic Press Association news agency that he believed several "young girls" had been stabbed.
“It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport,” he added, noting that the police have now caught the suspect.
British PM Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram responded saying that they’re monitoring the situation closely.
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