King and Queen ‘profoundly shocked’ by ‘utterly horrific’ knife attack in Southport that left two children dead

KING Charles and Queen Camilla have said they are “profoundly shocked” after the knife attack in Southport that left two children dead.

Six other youngsters were left in critical condition as scenes described as a “horror film” unfolded in Merseyside , today.

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The message posted on the Royal Family’s account on X, formerly Twitter, read: “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.

“We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”

Armed police and paramedics were called to the Hart Space Studios following reports of “multiple stabbings” at 11:50am on Monday.

Dozens of youngsters had gathered for a Taylor Swift “yoga and dance” holiday club when the horror unfolded.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks has been arrested on suspicion of murder , the force said.

Two adults who bravely tried to defend the children are also in critical condition after being injured.

And three other youngsters were injured in the chaos.

Eye witnesses described seeing children running into the street covered in blood, with one resident comparing the scene to “something in a horror movie”.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when a 17-year-old with a knife walked in and started to attack.

She said adults “bravely” tried to shield the children during the “horrendous and ferocious attack”.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a statement on the incident.

He says the whole country is “deeply shocked” by the attack.

“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and the wider community,” he adds.

“It’s almost impossible to imagine the grief that they’re going through and the trauma that they are going through.”

He also takes a moment to thank the emergency services who responded to the “most difficult of circumstances”.

Liverpool FC and Everton FC also sent their support to those impacted by the attack.

The two football clubs posted a joint statement on X, saying: “Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs come together to send our love and support to all those affected by today’s tragic events in Southport.

“You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

What we know so far…

• Two children have died after being stabbed
• Nine other children were injured and six are in critical condition
• Two adults are also in critical condition after bravely trying to save the youngsters
• Armed police were called to the scene on Hart Street, Southport, at 11.50am
• A 17-year-old boy has been detained and a knife seized
• Patients have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital
• The attack is understood to have taken place at a Taylor Swift-themed event

Terror cops have “offered support” to police probing the horror – but it is not understood to be terror related.

Cops rushed to a property in Hart Street, Southport , at around 11.50am today as chaos erupted on the road.

The youngsters were said to have been attacked during the chaos at the pop star-themed yoga and dance workshop.

The force said that the teenager remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.

Officers confirmed that the man is from the Banks area but originally from Cardiff.

Police stressed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing.

Multiple witnesses have reported spotting a man with a “black hood” at the scene of the horror.

CHRIS NEILL

PA