2 Children Dead, 9 Other Injured in Knife Attack in Southport, England

On Monday, two children were killed and nine more were injured, including 6 in critical condition, in a stabbing attack in Southport, in Merseyside, north of Liverpool, England. 

The knife attack took place during a dance event. Police arrested a-17-year-old boy in connection with the attack.

Authorities highlighted that two adults were also critically wounded in the incident as they tried to defend the children.

The children were participating in a dancing event at a dance school when the attacker walked with a knife and "started to attack inside the children," Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police told reporters.

Kennedy added: "We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked."

She described: "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 at this moment and time and I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to them."

Moreover, police described: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident."

In the same context, officials say the attack is not being treated as terror-related and no one else is believed to be connected to the incident. 

Patients were rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Southport incident “horrendous and deeply shocking news.”

He posted on X: “My thoughts are with all those affected,” adding: "I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”