Bloody attack in England

Man attacked people with a knife in Southport

Nationwide horror after the knife attack(Bild: APA/AFP/Darren Staples)

At least two children were killed in a knife attack on the fringes of a Taylor Swift dance event at a British vacation care club for schoolchildren on Monday. Nine other children were injured, six of whom are in a critical condition according to the authorities.

Two adults also suffered serious injuries, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said in the evening. A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

"Devastating picture" at the crime scene
According to the police, they were called to a house in a quiet residential area at around 11.00 a.m. (local time). According to police chief Kennedy, a dance class for children was taking place there, where people were dancing to songs by US singer Taylor Swift. "The attacker entered the building armed with a knife and attacked the children," Kennedy told journalists. Adults who were on the scene tried to protect the children, he said. "All the injured suffered stab wounds," she added.

The head of the emergency services, Dave Kitchin, spoke of a "devastating picture" at the scene. The attack will leave a "permanent mark" on the site. The motive is still unclear. The crime in the north-western English town of Southport caused horror across the country.

Here you can see a tweet from the police.

No terrorist attack, no danger to the public
The suspect comes from the suburb of Banks. A road was cordoned off there. There is no further danger to the public, Merseyside Police said. In the meantime, alerts spread on WhatsApp groups about a man "running around stabbing young girls".

Police and paramedics attended the scene.(Bild: AP/James Speakman)

Police were able to apprehend the suspect and take the knife from him.(Bild: AP/James Speakman)

Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of shocking news. "My thoughts are with all those affected." He will be kept informed of developments. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her concern.