Awful news.
Police have confirmed that two children have died following a mass stabbing in Southport, Merseyside this morning.
A 17-year-old male from Banks, who was originally from Cardiff, was arrested in connection to the stabbing.
He remains in custody.
Speaking to the press this evening, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It is with great sadness today that I am here to advise that two children have died as a result of the injuries sustained in this morning’s knife attack.
“Nine other children have been injured and six of them are in a critical condition. All those injured have suffered stab wounds.
“Also two adults are in a critical condition after being injured in the incident.”
A “major incident” was declared this morning by police in Southport following reports of a stabbing that had left multiple people injured.
Police said early this afternoon: “At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.
“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.”
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital later declared a major incident and said that they were treating those injured.
The hospital said in a statement: “The Trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy.
“We ask parents to only bring their children to the Emergency Department if it is urgent.
“All other appointments and services are running as normal.”
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The North West Ambulance Service also released a statement on X detailing further information of the incident.
It read: “We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.
“So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrendous and deeply shocking news,” as he reacted to the news.
In a post on social media, he wrote: “My thoughts are with all those affected.
“I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.”
The Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram equally shared his thoughts on X he said he was “deeply concerned to hear about the incident in Southport this morning.”
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport, echoed Rotheram as he said he was “deeply concerned” by the reports of the stabbing in Southport.
“I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected,” Hurley writes on social media.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones and to the entire community.”
