At least one child was killed and seven others injured in a stabbing attack in northwest England on Monday morning. A 17-year-old male was subsequently arrested in connection with the violent incident.
The knife attack happened in Southport, a seaside town in Merseyside, north of Liverpool. Merseyside Police Said.
Authorities were called to a property on Hart Street at 11:50 a.m. (6:50 a.m. ET) after reports of a stabbing.
“There have been casualties,” police announced.
In an update late on Monday, Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old man, from the nearby village of Banks, had been arrested. He remains in custody and will be questioned in relation to the incident.
Police had earlier said a knife had also been seized.
“An investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of this tragic incident,” police said. Authorities have said the attack is not considered terrorism-related and that no other people are connected to the incident. There is no widespread threat to the public.
Eight patients were treated for stab wounds; North West Ambulance Service The patients were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital.
Many, if not all, of the victims appear to be children. Alder Hey Children’s ‘Major incident’ “Our emergency department is extremely busy right now,” he said Monday, noting the hospital is working with other emergency services to respond to the incident.
Norwood councillor Greg Myers said he went to the scene and was told by officers that a child had died after the attack on Hart Street, Britain’s Press Association reported. Asked if he could confirm that the child had died, he said: “That’s my understanding of the situation.”
The knife attack took place near the scene of a “Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop” aimed at elementary school children. BBC The attack took place at the Hope of Heart children’s club, the BBC reported, citing Tim Johnson, a reporter for local news outlet Eye on Southport.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Southport incident “horrifying and extremely shocking news.”
“My heart goes out to those affected,” he wrote. X“We would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response and will provide updates as the situation develops.”
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said he was “deeply concerned” about the Hart Street incident.
“I hope for the best outcome for those affected and my thoughts go out to those affected, their families and the entire community,” he posted. X“Police can confirm that the person involved in the attack is now in custody and we reiterate police advice to avoid the area while police and emergency services respond to this incident.”
