Police said the incident happened in Southport, a town north of Liverpool.
LONDON — Two children are dead and nine people are injured in a stabbing attack at a dance school event in London. Englandpolice announced.
Six of the injured children remained in a serious condition on Tuesday, including two adults who were stabbed, Merseyside Police said in a statement. Police Commissioner Serena Kennedy said it appeared the adults were injured while shielding the children.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, police said. The incident is not being considered terrorism-related and no other suspects are being sought. A motive is unknown, police added.
Merseyside Police said officers were called to a report of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, just before noon local time. Police said the incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event.
Mr Kennedy said officers who arrived on the scene were shocked by the “vicious” attack.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrifying and deeply shocking.”
“My thoughts go out to all those affected,” he wrote on social media. “I thank the police and emergency services for their swift response and will provide updates as the situation develops.”
King Charles issued a statement saying he and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were “deeply shocked to learn of the absolutely horrific events that took place in Southport today.”
“We send our heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those tragically lost their lives and to all those affected by this truly horrific attack,” the palace said in a statement.
“As parents, we cannot imagine what must be going through the minds of the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today,” Prince William and Princess Kate said in a statement. “We send our love and prayers to all those involved in this horrific and heinous attack.”
The town of Southport is located in Merseyside, in the northwest of England.
Police said the suspect, who has not been named, is from Banks, a coastal Lancashire village just outside Southport, but originally from Cardiff in Wales.
