Two children have been killed in a knife attack that took place earlier Monday in the town of Southport.
This is stated by a spokesperson for the British police at a press conference on Monday evening.
A total of nine children have been injured in the attack, and six of them are in a critical condition.
In addition, two adults are in critical condition.
The spokesperson states that a 17-year-old boy has been arrested and suspected of murder and attempted murder. The boy must now be questioned.
The motive for the attack – which took place while children were attending a Taylor Swift workshop at a dance school – is not immediately clear.
It is not believed to be terror-related.
– My officers were called out to reports of a stabbing at 11:47 this morning, says Police Chief Serena Kennedy.
– When they arrived they were shocked to find that several people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a fatal attack.
She explains that the suspect, armed with a knife, is believed to have entered the address, after which he began to attack the children.
– We believe that the adults who were injured bravely tried to defend the children who were attacked, she says.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says in a press release that the whole country is “deeply shocked” by the attack. This is written by Sky News.
Addressing victims, families, friends and the local community, he says:
– It is almost impossible to imagine the grief they are going through.
Already earlier on Monday it was clear that several children were injured, but this evening’s press conference is the first time that the authorities have given a status on the loss figure.
A local shop owner told the British news agency PA earlier on Monday that he was among the people who called the police to report a stabbing in the area.
– Mothers come here now screaming, said Colin Parry, who owns the shop Masters Vehicle Body Repairs.
– It’s like a scene from a horror film.
Southport is about 30 kilometers north of Liverpool on the west coast of England.
/ritzau/
Source: www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk
