Child dead and multiple injured after 'horrendous' stabbing rampage at Taylor Swift dance class at kids summer club

A child has tragically lost their life and at least seven others are injured following a horrific mass stabbing in the UK during a Taylor Swift -themed dance class.

The incident occurred while approximately 25 children were participating in a summer holiday event , leading to a major incident being declared at the nearby Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the multiple stabbings as "horrendous and deeply shocking" and expressed his gratitude towards the emergency services for their swift response.

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The police received reports of the incident on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside at about 11.50am GMT on Monday, July 29.

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A spokesperson for the police confirmed: "We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July. At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.

"There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible. Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station. Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public."

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Eyewitnesses reported seeing 'a man stabbing people' and a man has been apprehended by armed police and a knife has been confiscated.

Eyewitnesses have described the scene as a "major incident" with a significant police presence.

A Bridge Cafe staffer disclosed to Liverpool Echo that the whole of Hart Street was sealed off by police.

The employee mentioned a flurry of emergency responders, including ambulances, fire brigades, and choppers present at the site.

This onlooker remarked: "Police haven't spoken to us, but we heard that nobody is to go inside that building. Police are around 200m down the road from us. They've closed the entire road now."

A local woman, living a stone's throw from the street, relayed to the Echo how residents were advised to batten down the hatches.

She revealed: "It was about 20 past 12 I think and we heard loads of sirens and then there was a helicopter circling above. Then the messages started to go around the local WhatsApp groups, saying 'lock your windows, lock your doors', we were told a man was running around stabbing people.

"We are all absolutely terrified, panicking and sick with worry - everyone is trying to reach anyone they know in the area. I don't know how this can happen on a Monday lunchtime."