Southport stabbing latest: hundreds attend vigil as police name three young girls killed in attack

8.05pm BST

Large crowd gathers outside mosque in Southport

A large crowd has gathered outside a mosque in Southport as tensions run high in the town.

Police riot vans and officers are standing guard outside the building, amid chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” from sections of the crowd, PA reported.

Hundreds of youths and men, and a large police presence, remain on the streets surrounding Hart Street, where the crowd has gathered.

Updated at 8.15pm BST

8.03pm BST

Far-right activists on social media have been promoting a protest that has started in Southport now.

Updated at 8.05pm BST

7.57pm BST

Home secretary says misinformation has spread online

The home secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs that misinformation had already spread online about the identity of the attacker in Southport and warned “those who do this for their own purposes risk undermining a crucial criminal investigation”.

Updated at 8.11pm BST

7.46pm BST

7.45pm BST

Hundreds attend Southport vigil

Hundreds of people gathered in the centre of Southport for a vigil to mark yesterday’s terrible knife attack.

Dozens of floral tributes have been laid around the fountain outside the Atkinson building, with candles and soft toys dotted among them.

Several families with children were among those who attended to pay their respects.

Many were fighting back tears and passing around tissues, as people turned to each for comfort in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

Official tributes were laid in the centre of the fountain, by the mayor, MP Patrick Hurley, and representatives from the council and local hospitals.

Members of the public who had brought their own tributes were then encouraged to place these, and to stay as long as they wanted to in order to take comfort in the support of one another.

Updated at 8.11pm BST

7.31pm BST

An MP fought back tears as he urged the home secretary to consider how she could achieve parents’ goals of improving their children’s safety.

Jim Shannon, the Democratic Unionist party MP for Strangford, told the Commons: “I think the message is clear for all those families – we grieve with you, our hearts ache with you and all of us in this great nation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will have all of those families in our prayers.

“I think parents and mums and dads want to know that their children are safe, so does the home secretary agree that this must be the goal, and perhaps she can outline just how that can be achieved?”

Yvette Cooper replied: “I think all of us will share the emotion that [Shannon] has and I think when everyone thinks as a parent, as a grandparent, as an aunt or uncle, think of little children being affected in this way and just how devastating all of this is, I think it makes every parent want to hug their children a little closer when we see just something as truly appalling as this happen.”

Cooper paid tribute to the youth workers she had met who had told her they were “going to continue to support Southport children all summer, they would continue to be organising events for Southport children all summer, they were doing so this morning”.

She added: “There was a real determination to come together, to support families and to support children, and to never let a horrific incident like this stop all of us supporting our children for them to be out in the sun this summer holiday.”

Updated at 7.36pm BST

7.19pm BST

A flood of misinformation about the Southport attack is being spread on numerous social media platforms by sources ranging from far-right activists to fake news websites and conspiracy theorists.

Such was the impact in the last 24 hours of some of that misinformation that Merseyside police on Tuesday directly addressed the sharing of a name on social media in connection with the suspect.

“This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing,” the force said.

The only details released about the suspect by police are that he is a 17-year-old from the village of Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff.

However, the false name and other falsehoods are already being spread online and offline as the incident becomes the latest to raise questions about the policing of content by social media companies and official watchdogs, and whether the law is fit for purpose.

In Southport, a prominent British conspiracy theorist has been filming at the crime scene. A YouTube video where he calls for emergency military rule and mass deportations received 30,000 views in the two hours after it was posted on Tuesday, while far-right activists on social media were also seeking to piggyback on local feelings, promoting a vigil and protest that were due to take place on Tuesday evening.

Related: Misinformation about Southport attack suspect spreads on social media

Updated at 7.23pm BST

7.04pm BST

A former neighbour of the 17-year-old suspected of carrying out Monday’s attacks said he appeared to come from a “normal” and “lovely” family.

The neighbour spoke on condition of anonymity and lived next to the suspect’s family when they lived in Cardiff.

“They were a normal family. The house was rented at the time. Houses around here, the rent’s not cheap,” they told Sky News.

“It’s really sad. They were a normal family, they were a lovely family, she was a good mum, they were a good family.

“My back door would be open, their back door would be open and we’d chat over the fence.”

6.51pm BST

Police searching for motive focus on suspect’s mental health

Police searching for a motive for the mass stabbings in Southport that left three children dead are increasingly focusing on the state of their suspect’s mental health or potential neurodivergence in the years before the attack, write Vikram Dodd, Hannah Al-Othman and Josh Halliday.

A British-born 17-year-old was arrested after a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside seaside town was plunged into horror, with 11 children and two adults stabbed.

Five children remain in critical condition, as do the two adults believed by police to have been wounded as they tried to shield the primary school-age children from the rampage just before midday on Monday.

The 17-year-old, arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, is still in custody as police carry out forensic searches at a house in the village of Banks that he travelled from, and on the taxi that he travelled to the scene in.

The criminal investigation by Merseyside police has multiple strands, the motive for attacking such a soft target being a key one.

Detectives are looking for and studying any material held by statutory agencies such as educational institutions, health or social services, about him and any concerns raised, for instance about his behaviour, when younger.

Police say terrorism is not a motive, but caveat this by saying that is their view “at this stage”.

It is understood that nothing supporting any kind of terrorist motive has been found so far.

Related: Police searching for motive for Southport stabbings focus on suspect’s mental health

Updated at 8.12pm BST

6.42pm BST

James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, also praised the response of the NHS and emergency services and the members of the public who intervened to try and help the victims.

He said “their bravery cannot be overstated”.

Cleverly also spoke out against adding to the social media speculation and to check before you share information online.

6.36pm BST

Home secretary Yvette Cooper told the House of Commons the whole house and country is united in shock and grief at the terrible events.

She said she met with first responders who responded with heroism and professionalism.

Cooper said they told her nothing can prepare you for an attack on small children.

6.32pm BST

A UK Taylor Swift fan group has come together to offer their support to victims of the Southport stabbing.

Danielle Stewart, who set up a Facebook group called UK Swifties, said many members wanted to do something to help, so she set up a GoFundMe page which surpassed its target within the space of a day.

“I knew when I set it up the community would all come together, but I didn’t expect it to go over the target so quickly at all,” the 31-year-old, who is based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, told the PA news agency.

The group is in the process of trying to ensure funds go to the families affected.

6.17pm BST

6.16pm BST

The vigil has now concluded.

6.08pm BST

My colleague Josh Halliday reporting from the scene of the vigil. A minute’s silence is now being observed.

6.06pm BST

The mayor of Sefton, June Burns, told the vigil that the scale of the tragedy “hit her” when she laid flowers at the scene thinking about how the children involved were at a Taylor Swift dance class.

“It really gets you, you can’t help but cry because of the outpouring of grief.”

“I hope you all here find some comfort from somebody here. Let their families grieve in the way they wish to grieve,” she added.

Updated at 6.10pm BST

6.01pm BST

The vigil outside The Atkinson on Lord Street is starting shortly.

5.59pm BST

The British Red Cross is offering advice on how to respond to questions about upsetting news stories with children following the tragic attack in Southport on Monday.

Keep it simple

When explaining upsetting news stories to children, keep it simple and avoid going into detail. You should not lie but you also want to keep it low key. Offer a simple, direct explanation that is age appropriate.

It’s fine to say, for example, that there was a police incident and some people died. Avoid euphemism and graphic detail. Keep it as simple as possible.

How can I reassure children when they find out?

Give children thoughtful reassurance if you think that might be helpful. For instance, you could help children appreciate how events like these are extremely rare, and when they happen there are people around to help. Provided that family members weren’t caught up in the attacks, it can be helpful to reassure children that they and their family are safe.

It is also important to keep normal routines going, such as meal and bedtimes.

Common signs of distress

Some common signs that may signal a child’s distress include bed wetting and becoming clingy or afraid to go outdoors. Their sleep might be disturbed and their diet might change.

You should watch out for children acting younger than their age. However, these signs do not mean that a child isn’t coping – simply that they may need more support from their parents and carers.

Like adults, children are fundamentally resilient. Reassure them that their home and school are safe places, and that these events, while tragic, rarely happen.

Further information and helpful resources are available on the British Red Cross website and those by the UK Trauma Council .

5.45pm BST

The prime minister was met with hostility by some members of the public while placing a floral tribute in Southport after several children were stabbed. Three children have so far died in the attack and several others are in critical condition.

5.37pm BST

How does a community come to terms with an attack that hits with such ferocity, such barbarity, such searing horror that it is beyond even the stuff of nightmares?, writes Josh Halliday and Hannah Al-Othman.

What sort of society do we live in when a highlight of the summer holidays, in the middle of a sunny day at the seaside, turns into what witnesses likened to “a scene from a horror movie”?

And perhaps the most pressing question being asked by families in Southport and beyond: why?

“The whole community is feeling very numb,” said one woman, whose seven-year-old daughter was friends with one of the three young girls killed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport on Monday.

“Her friend and two others are no longer here,” she added. “She’s struggling to get her head round it but she’s asked a lot of questions about why would someone do that, who did it. I hope we get answers that we need so we can move forward.”

Related: ‘Why? Why? These parents need that answer’: Southport reels from stabbings

5.24pm BST

Joel Verite described hearing a woman screaming “he’s stabbing kids” as he drove near the dance studio in Hart Street, Southport.

The window cleaner told Sky News: “We start running towards this place where she’s talking about.

“As I’m running towards the door, there’s a car, there’s a woman in the car, and she’s screaming for me to come over.

“She’s got a child in the passenger seat, and then in the back there’s like four or five more kids, covered in blood.

“It was like a scene you’d see on a disaster film, honestly.

“I can’t even explain how horrific it was.”

Verite said he carried a girl out of the car’s front passenger seat to get her to safety.

He also described locking eyes with a knifeman inside the dance studio in Southport before the alleged attacker “scurried off”.

“I run towards the door, the entrance and exit to the dance studio,” he told Sky News.

“There were two men in the gym where I used to go to … they’re pointing to the dance studio saying ‘he’s in there’.

“I open the door downstairs … there’s a guy at the bottom of the stairs with a full tracksuit, his hood up, with a knife.

“We’ve looked at each other and he’s scurried off to the side.”

5.16pm BST

Shortly before his visit to the scene, the prime minister met with first responders.

Keir Starmer said he wanted “to say a personal thank you to them and to shake their hand - and to say that as prime minister, on behalf of the country, we are grateful for what they did”.

“It’s not what any of them came to work for. But of course, they’re professionals, and they deal with it,” he said.

“I think about the families, the friends, the loved ones, those directly impacted and of course, the wider community here.

“But I think anybody in the country is not untouched by what happened.”

The PM reiterated his commitment to “get to grips” with knife crime, but said “today is the time to focus entirely on the families”.

5.08pm BST

5.03pm BST

4.56pm BST

Jinnie Payne, headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, has paid tribute to Alice Da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King.

“It is with great sadness that we heard the tragic news about the three children who died following yesterday’s atrocity, including Alice Da Silva Aguiar, a Year 4 pupil at Churchtown, and Bebe King, a former pupil,” Ms Payne said.

“Alice was the happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine. She was known and loved by everyone in our school community of 700 children, a testament to her unique ability to connect with others.

“Bebe was a joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community. During her time at the school, Bebe’s considerate nature and her love of learning shone through in everything that she did.

“Our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of both Alice and Bebe during this impossibly difficult time.

“We know that a number of other children from Churchtown were also involved in the attack, along with much-loved colleagues.

“We extend our heartfelt wishes to all those families affected by this horrific incident, including those currently in hospital or continuing to receive treatment. We sincerely hope for their swift and full recovery.”

4.49pm BST

Jennifer Sephton, head teacher at Farnborough Road Infant School, described Elsie Stancombe as a “kind and caring friend to all who met her”.

She said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Elsie.

“Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father’s shoulders and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.

“Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community. Our hearts and most deeply felt sympathies go out to Elsie’s family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.

“It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

“We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind.

“We are supporting our school community including pupils, teachers and parents throughout this extremely difficult time and would reiterate the need for privacy at this time.”

Related: Police name three girls killed in Southport stabbing attack

4.41pm BST

Natasha Sandland is head teacher of Marshside Primary School which Bebe King, six, attended.

Sandland said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.

“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.

“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.

“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”

4.32pm BST

Police should be left to investigate the Southport incident “without other people speculating on motive and circumstances”, Downing Street said.

Keir Starmer’s official spokesman warned there had been “some misreporting” that officers have had to correct.

“It is absolutely the case that people shouldn’t speculate about circumstances and should give police the space to continue their investigation into what happened, and not prejudice those investigations and get in the way of those investigations,” he said.

Downing Street also urged people to “listen to the police” and said it is “unhelpful” to speculate on the motive.

Asked whether the prime minister would appeal for calm if there were to be a potential far-right rally in Southport, as some reports suggest, his official spokesman said: “Of course, people should listen the police, they should not do anything that is going to make the police’s job harder to manage the situation, to conduct their investigations.

“It is unhelpful to speculate on things like the motive and the circumstance around this.”

4.25pm BST

On the prime minister’s wreath left among the other floral tributes, a handwritten note, signed by Keir Starmer, read: “To the victims, families and people of Southport, our hearts are broken, there are no words for such profound loss. The nation’s thoughts are with you.”

As the PM walked close by, a man said: “Here’s your photo opportunity.”

As his car left the scene in Southport, another shouted: “How many more children? Our kids are dead and you’re leaving already?”

A third man shouted “get the truth out!” while the Chief Constable was asked why the alleged attacker had not been named, and if he was on a “watch list”, the PA news agency reported.

4.17pm BST

Portugal’s prime minister Luis Montenegro has issued a statement following the death of the three children, including nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Montenegro said on X: “It is with deep sadness that I received the news on the attack that took place yesterday in Southport in the United Kingdom, for which I have no words to describe.

“On my behalf and that of the Portuguese government I express heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the British government and people.”

4.13pm BST

Alder Hey Hospital: Two of the children are critical but stable

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has released a statement on X.

Seven children were admitted with one dying in hospital.

The remaining children are continuing to receive treatment with two remaining in critical care but currently in a stable condition.

It reads: “We can confirm that seven children were brought to Alder Hey following the heartbreaking incident in Southport yesterday.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts one child has since died. The remaining children are continuing to receive treatment with two remaining in critical care but currently in a stable condition.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Alder Hey remain with the children, young people and their families involved in and all those affected by yesterday’s incident.

“We will continue to provide them with all the support we can at this devastating time.”

Across all hospitals, five children and two adults remain in a critical condition.

4.00pm BST

Keir Starmer placed his own floral tribute among hundreds of others at the police cordon on Hart Street, Southport.

But the brief visit, lasting barely two minutes, was marred by hostile shouts from some watching members of the public, the PA news agency reports.

3.59pm BST

Prime minister meets emergency workers in Southport

Keir Starmer has visited Southport and thanked emergency service workers who responded to the knife attack.

The prime minister, who visited the seaside town after the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, did earlier today, was pictured shaking the hands of firefighters and ambulance staff during a visit to Southport police station.

He said:

I know you would go and face any situation that was put in front of you, you do it every day.

But there’s no pretending that what you dealt with yesterday was ordinary or just a usual response. It was really, really difficult. I just wanted to say a personal thank you to each of you, that’s why I wanted to shake each of your hands, for what you did yesterday.

I’m incredibly proud of what you did. I’m amazed, but not surprised, that you’re in today, carrying on with your duties.

I really want you to focus on the fact that there are children today alive because of what you did yesterday. That is incredible. It’s what you do every day but it’s the most difficult of circumstances.

I don’t want you to think for a minute the rest of the country has not seen that.

Cooper acknowledged there is a “deep concern” about knife crime across the country, saying it was Starmer’s “moral mission” to address it as prime minister.

3.47pm BST

Nursery group urges parents not to hold door open for others at drop-off and pick-up

A nursery group has urged parents not to hold the door open for others at drop-off and pick-up following yesterday’s attack.

The PA news agency reports:

Childbase Partnership, which looks after 6,000 children in 44 day nurseries across England, has sent out a “high priority” email to parents about security measures after three children died in the knife attack in Southport.

An “alert” was issued to all nurseries in the group on Tuesday morning to reassure parents that the settings were reviewing established security procedures which staff must follow to meet “a variety of threats”.

Lorna Wigley, quality and health and safety director of Childbase Partnership, called on parents to refrain from holding the door open for others at nursery and to report any concerns to staff “immediately”.

The email, seen by the PA news agency, reminded parents that only people registered on a form will be permitted to pick up their child from nursery.

Ms Wigley said: “Following the tragic event in Southport on Monday 29th July 2024, I am writing to reassure you that an alert has been issued to all nurseries which are currently reviewing both security equipment and the established procedures staff must follow in meeting a variety of threats.

“As always, your support and vigilance are vital in ensuring that the efforts of your highly trained nursery staff team achieve the desired results.”

“Please do not hold the door open for anyone when you and your child enter the nursery building and report any concerns you have to staff immediately.”

“The security of our children in nursery is an absolute priority and our policies and practices are therefore subject to continuous review and evaluation by the company’s Health and Safety team and, where necessary, external specialists.”

Ms Wigley told parents that in the event of an identified threat, nursery staff will follow a lockdown procedure - which involves “a sweep of the garden”, moving the children inside, locking windows and doors, and drawing blinds.

She added that parents’ support “remains vital” to provide children with the “best possible security”.

3.30pm BST

Former Everton footballers Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin have left a blue and white floral tribute alongside hundreds of others left at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport.

This clip was posted to X by Liam Thorp, the Liverpool Echo’s political editor:

Updated at 3.31pm BST

3.18pm BST

Three children killed in Southport attack named by police

The three girls killed in Southport have been named by Merseyside police as Bebe King , 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe , 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar , 9.

“Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time,” the force said in a statement.

Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

Updated at 3.26pm BST

3.10pm BST

Vigil to be held tonight in Southport at 6pm, Sefton council confirms

Sefton Council has confirmed a vigil will take place outside The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport at 6pm today.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, added:

It is entirely understandable and appropriate that local people want to gather and show their support and solidarity. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this incredibly sad time.

A book of remembrance is available for people to sign at the Atkinson, in Southport, and one is being set up at Bootle Town Hall, a council spokesperson said.

Updated at 3.13pm BST

2.58pm BST

Nine-year-old victim named as Alice Aguiar from Sefton

A nine-year-old victim of the stabbings has been named as Alice Aguiar .

A verified fundraiser has been set up by care home colleagues of Alice’s mother.

Laura Blackman, of Benridge Care Homes, said: “We can’t even begin to imagine how the family feel.”

Updated at 3.10pm BST

2.44pm BST

From the Guardian’s photographer Gary Calton in Southport:

Updated at 2.59pm BST

2.22pm BST

The leader of Knowsley council, Graham Morgan , has warned the public to avoid “made up” information on social media.

He said:

I want to call on our community to come together to support one another and to support Merseyside Police and other agencies as they try to piece together these unbelievably tragic events.

People are often tempted to get involved in coming up with theories about what happened and we have already seen versions of events on social media which are simply not true. So I also want to encourage people not to speculate about what happened and spread inaccurate information.

We know too well how misinformation can adversely affect communities. As usual, what you read on social media is often just made up by people who have no real information to share. I think we owe it to those impacted by these events not to make matters worse.

Updated at 2.59pm BST

2.14pm BST

A JustGiving page created by a Taylor Swift fan in aid of Alder Hey children’s charity has reached £100,000 in less than 24 hours.

Cristina Jones, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, started the JustGiving page which has received donations from fans worldwide for the charity supporting the hospital where some of the victims are being treated.

“What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,” Jones told the PA news agency.

“It feels really nice we’ve done something really positive.

“I firmly believe there’s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they’re going through right now, but if we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it’s nice to know that we’ve done what we can do.”

Updated at 2.16pm BST

1.59pm BST

in Southport

Forensics officers have seized the car that conveyed the Southport stabbing suspect to the scene of the crime.

The 17-year-old took a taxi from the village of Banks, which is around five miles away, directly to Hart Street. He was then involved in a brief altercation with the driver and two bystanders after he refused to pay the fare.

The driver’s car has now been seized by Merseyside police for forensic examination, other taxi drivers working in Southport said. The suspect remains in custody while investigations are ongoing.

Updated at 1.59pm BST

1.56pm BST

Robyn Vinter here bringing the latest updates.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she “can’t even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering” felt by the families affected by the stabbings.

She told MPs in Parliament: “I know the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences and strength in the hours ahead to those affected by yesterday’s shocking incident in Southport.

“And as a mother and grandmother, I can’t even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering of those involved.

“I’d like to echo the words of (Labour MP for Southport Patrick Hurley) in thanking the police and the emergency services for their swift response, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have already sadly lost loved ones, and (those who) are now fighting for their lives as well.”

1.25pm BST

A crew from Merseyside fire and rescue service arrived at the scene in Southport to pay tribute. About a dozen firefighters walked together to the cordon on Hart Street and laid flowers, with a message to say they were “thinking of everyone involved”.

1.14pm BST

Summary of what we know so far...

A summary of what we know so far after the police update at midday:

• Merseyside police confirmed that a third child had died as a result of injuries sustained in Monday’s knife attack in Southport. “The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning,” the police said in a statement, which confirmed the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven.

• Eleven children were stabbed in the incident, with three dead and five in a critical condition in hospital.

• Police said two adults were in a critical condition after being injured during the incident, and they were attacked while “trying to protect the children”.

• Tributes have been paid on social media to the bravery of dance and yoga teacher Leanne Lucas after she was named as one of the adults attacked in the incident. Lucas was named as an organiser of the event run by Southport-based business Enlighten in a post on Facebook.

• A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.

• The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, travelled to Southport and is expected to be joined later by the prime minister, Keir Starmer.

• The MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley, said the attack was the “worst atrocity in living memory” to affect the area.

• There will be a vigil tonight for the victims.

• The police have urged people not to speculate. They say a name being shared on social media in connection with the suspect is incorrect.

Updated at 1.43pm BST

1.07pm BST

Yoga teacher believed to be among those injured in Southport knife attack

Jessica Murray is the Guardian’s Midlands correspondent

A yoga teacher, Leanne Lucas, is believed to be among those injured in a knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class for children in Southport, in which three children died.

Police said two adults were in a critical condition after being injured during the incident, and they were attacked while “trying to protect the children”.

Lucas lives in Southport and runs Enlighten Kids Yoga, through which she put on the Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop at the Hart Space, a studio venue used for various different classes, on Monday.

She is a former primary school teacher and trained yoga teacher, who specialises in running yoga classes for families and children.

Another local yoga teacher posted on Instagram to say she was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news. “Please pray for Leanne,” the post, since removed, said. “A beautiful, young, creative girl with so much passion for helping children. I just can’t believe it.”

The Enlighten Kids Yoga Instagram page has been inundated with messages from people wishing Lucas a swift recovery. “Your bravery has touched the hearts of the nation, we are all praying for you and the families affected,” one comment read.

Recent posts on social media show Lucas advertising the summer holiday event, which she later said was sold out. “Calling all Swifties! You are invited to a yoga, dance and bracelet making workshop,” she said in one post.

You can read the full story here:

Related: Yoga teacher believed to be among those injured in Southport knife attack

12.48pm BST

Keir Starmer has opened Cabinet by acknowledging the “truly horrific” stabbings in Southport.

“He said the thoughts of the whole Cabinet and the entire country would be with those who were attacked and their families who are going through an unimaginable ordeal,” the prime minister’s official spokesman said.

“He added that it was hard to find words to express what the grieving families and community must be going through.”

Updated at 12.53pm BST

12.30pm BST

We have some more quotes from the home secretary, Yvette Cooper , who has been in Southport to give her respects to those impacted by the attack.

She met with community leaders, Serena Kennedy, the Merseyside chief constable and Emily Spurrell, the police and crime commissioner.

Speaking to reporters on the ground, Cooper said “it’s important that police pursue every single avenue” after it was confirmed that three children had died in the mass stabbing in Southport.

Merseyside Police previously said the attack on Hart Street, which also left five other children and two adults in a critical condition, was not being treated as terror-related.

Asked why, the home secretary said:

There is a serious criminal investigation underway because this was a horrific attack. It’s important that police pursue every single avenue and that is what Merseyside police are now doing.

I support Merseyside police in that work, but it’s immensely important that they need to be able to continue that and they will provide updates.

You’ll understand that I’m not going to say anything that would cut across their investigation or prejudice that investigation as I take that investigation immensely seriously into this truly horrific attack.

Updated at 12.57pm BST

12.18pm BST

BBC News is reporting that some local shops and a pub in Southport have closed out of respect for the families affected by the stabbings.

The Wellington pub has shut to allow staff to attend the vigil being held this evening - but will reopen after the event, the BBC reports.

Updated at 12.52pm BST

12.07pm BST

Third child has died as a result of injuries from Southport stabbings, police say in update

Merseyside police has confirmed that a third child has died as a result of injuries sustained in Monday’s knife attack in Southport.

“The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning,” the police said in a statement, which confirmed the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven.

“Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition,” the police said.

Merseyside police added that two adults remain in a critical condition after being injured during the incident, and that the 17-year-old suspect, who has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, remains in custody.

The suspect is from the Lancashire village of Banks but born in Cardiff. The motive for the attack is still unclear. The public has been advised against speculation on social media.

In the statement, Merseyside police added:

A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport. This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.

This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

Updated at 12.13pm BST

11.57am BST

Parents in local area ‘terrified’ of sending children to summer groups

Richard Townes , a children’s entertainer and father of a young child, from Southport, has said parents in the area are now “terrified” of sending their children to summer groups after Monday’s attack. He has set up a fundraiser to try and help the families affected by the stabbings.

Townes told the PA news agency:

I’ve lived in Southport for 39 years and I’m 39. This is the worst tragedy to happen in Southport’s history, as far as I’m aware. Everyone has been affected in some way, shape or form. Everyone knows someone impacted.

This is supposed to be the start of the summer holidays and parents in WhatsApp groups are now terrified of sending their children to summer clubs.

I have a five-year-old daughter who could have just as easily been at the class. I feel helpless and like I can’t do anything. This fundraiser is the only thing I can do to help. I want to raise some money to help reduce the financial implications for the families involved.

Updated at 11.58am BST

11.40am BST

The Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday, is in Southport, speaking to local people about Monday’s attack.

Leaving flowers at the scene, Colin Gibson , 35, said he hoped people would focus on the victims of the mass stabbing and not share “speculation” about the attacker or any motives.

“Personally that really worries me. People using this to back their own rhetorics. I just hope people can focus on the nine young girls and the two adults. It’s beyond sad.”

Gibson, who lives a short walk away from the Hart Space where the attack unfolded , said he had seen similar incidents at schools in the US but that he never expected it in Southport, a seaside resort where families go to enjoy day trips and others go to retire.

Gibson said the Hart Space was one of many vital community facilities in the area. “It should be a place for families, celebration and happiness. It should be shielded away from the darkness of the world.”

Updated at 11.48am BST

11.33am BST

Staff from Natterjacks day nursery laid flowers and a heart-shaped artwork, decorated with children’s handprints at the cordon on Hart Street in Southport, the PA news agency reports.

A message on the artwork said: “The brightest stars are now dancing with the angels in heaven. Shine bright little ones, we will never forget your smiles and laughter.”

People, including children, continued to arrive throughout the morning to lay tributes. Some were in tears as they walked away.

Updated at 11.41am BST

11.12am BST

An update on what we know so far...

• Eight people remain in a critical condition in hospital after two children were killed and several more injured in an attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

• Eleven children and two adults were stabbed in what police described as a “ferocious attack” in a studio on Hart Street on Monday morning.

• Six youngsters remain in a critical condition in hospital, along with two adults who police said were trying to protect the children when they were injured.

• The Daily Telegraph reported that businessman Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg after attempting to disarm the attacker.

• A 17-year-old boy, from the Lancashire village of Banks but born in Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, with police saying the motive remains unclear. He cannot be named for legal reasons.

• The suspect, who police said was armed with a knife, was being questioned by police on Tuesday. The force is not treating the incident as terror-related.

• The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has travelled to Southport and is expected to be joined later by the prime minister, Keir Starmer.

• Taylor Swift has said she is “completely in shock” after the “horror” of
  the Southport knife attack at a dance class themed on the singer. “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

You can read the latest developments on what has happened since the stabbings in this report by my colleagues, Jessica Murray , Hannah Al-Othman and Josh Halliday .

Updated at 11.27am BST

11.09am BST

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, is expected to make a statement on the attacks in the House of Commons this afternoon.

10.58am BST

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper , has laid flowers at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport. She walked there alongside Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy, Merseyside fire and rescue service’s chief fire officer Phil Garrigan and Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell, each holding a bouquet of flowers.

The Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday, is at the scene. He says Cooper spent several minutes reading tributes left to the young victims.

Children of primary school age - the same age as many of the victims - are among those leaving flowers, teddy bears and other tributes at the roadside in Southport, he says.

One message reads: “For the lost angels. You will never be forgotten. Too beautiful for this world. In the arms of our lord, you are now safe. Keep dancing. Shine bright. We are Southport, we stand together.”

Updated at 11.17am BST

10.48am BST

Key event

Police are not looking for any other suspects, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has told the BBC.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Spurrell said earlier that officers will now take time to figure out what happened and why.

Updated at 10.49am BST

10.47am BST

Taylor Swift says horror of attack is 'washing over me continuously'

Taylor Swift has issued a statement on Instagram saying the attack in Southport is “washing over me continuously”.

I’m just completely in shock.

The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.

These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.

Two children have died and nine have been injured, six critically, after a series of stabbings at a children’s dance class in Southport on Monday. The stabbings took place at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class at the Hart Space.

Updated at 11.00am BST

10.17am BST

Below is a video of the prime minister, Keir Starmer, describing Monday’s stabbings as “truly awful” and saying the “whole country is deeply shocked”. It was filmed yesterday.

As we have been reporting, Starmer is expected to visit Southport later today, joining the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, who is already there (see post at 08.43 for more details).

Updated at 10.18am BST

10.01am BST

Southport stabbings 'worst atrocity' town has known in living memory, local MP says

Ben Roberts-Haslam, a reporter from the Liverpool Echo, is at the scene in Southport and has posted an interview the local MP Patrick Hurley has given to journalists.

When asked what the general feeling in the community was and if there was any anger, Hurley said:

Right now I think there’s a range of emotions people are feeling. We have just had the worst atrocity that Southport has known in living memory. And I think that people are feeling sad, people feeling shocked, people are feeling like they want answers.

What I would encourage people to do is work with the emergency services, work with the police to make sure that they do their job methodically and in an organised fashion.

Hurley says the town is in mourning and described yesterday’s incident as a “uniquely horrific” one which has sent “shockwaves” through the quiet, seaside town in north-west England. He said families across the area will be impacted directly. “Children across town will know children that have been directly impacted by what happened yesterday,” he told reporters.

9.44am BST

Key event

Jonathan Hayes , a 63-year-old local businessman, tried to disarm the Southport attacker after hearing screams from his office, The Telegraph has reported .

Hayes was reportedly stabbed in the leg after running into the dance studio to try and protect the children, who were at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class at the Hart Space, a studio that also hosts antenatal and hypnobirthing classes.

Asked if Hayes had tried to put himself between the attacker and the children, his wife, Helen, told the paper: “He did. He heard screams.”

She explained: “Our office is in the same building as the dance studio, he heard screams and went outside, saw the attacker, saw that he had hurt a child and tried to take the knife off him and got stabbed in the leg…”

“I’ve been with him all afternoon at the hospital. He’s very upset that he wasn’t able to be more help. Physically he will be OK, mentally I don’t know.”

9.43am BST

Taylor Swift fans have set up a Just Giving page where people can contribute towards funeral costs and victim support. So far, more than £23,500 has been raised.

The page’s organiser, Cristina Jones, wrote:

We are working with Alder Hey children’s hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport, and raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed.

Every donation through this link goes directly to the verified charity below, which will in turn help make a difference to those impacted in a time of great sadness.

Monday’s stabbings took place at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class at the Hart Space in Southport.

Updated at 9.44am BST

9.17am BST

Southport Football Club said it has cancelled tonight’s pre-season friendly match with Morecambe FC “out of respect to those who have so tragically lost their lives” and to those who will be “deeply impacted” by the Southport attack . The match was scheduled to take place in the club’s Haig Avenue stadium this evening, near the scene of the incident.

In a post on social media yesterday evening, the club said in a statement:

The club would like to reiterate that tomorrow the Club Lounge will be open from 10am-3pm for those who wish to gather, share their thoughts and find support during this difficult time.

Specialist support staff will be present to offer assistance and comfort to those who need it.

Updated at 9.21am BST

9.10am BST

There continues to be tributes, including flowers, dolls and stuffed toys, being left at the scene in Southport, where a large police cordon remains in place. Here are a few the latest pictures we have been sent over the newswires this morning:

8.43am BST

Starmer will visit community reeling from Southport knife attack later today, chancellor suggests

Keir Starmer will visit the community in Southport later today, Rachel Reeves , the chancellor, has indicated.

Asked whether the prime minister will visit Southport on Tuesday, Reeves told Sky News: “I’m sure he will be and I know that the home secretary is already there.”

Reacting to the attack, she said:

Beyond the worst nightmare of any parent what’s unfolding in Southport. And my thoughts and prayers are with all of those families affected.

And I also just pay tribute to the emergency services, particularly at Alder Hey hospital who are having to treat the children and families who have been impacted by what happened yesterday.

Nothing can prepare you for something like this. And I think everybody across our country today is thinking of that community and those families.

Yvette Cooper , the home secretary, is in Southport this morning and will meet Merseyside’s chief constable Serena Kennedy, police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell, along with other community leaders.

Updated at 8.49am BST

8.32am BST

Vigil to be held this evening for victims of Southport stabbings, local MP says

The Labour MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley , has been on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said there will be a vigil held tonight for the victims of the attack, which he said has left the area in “shock and grief”.

Hurley said the attack on Hart Street was a “uniquely horrific event” and that his thoughts were with the community and the victims. In a statement on X last night, the MP encouraged anyone with information about the incident to go to the police and has reiterated calls for members of the public not to spread speculation on social media.

Police have said two children have died and nine have been injured, six critically, after the series of stabbings at a children’s dance class in Southport on Monday (you can read more details about exactly what happened, with eyewitness accounts, in this report ).

Updated at 8.34am BST

8.16am BST

The Guardian’s police and crime correspondent, Vikram Dodd , has written this analysis piece about how the Southport attack stirs memories of the 1996 Dunblane massacre, in which 16 children were murdered along with their teacher when Thomas Hamilton broke into the gymnasium of Dunblane primary school armed with four handguns and began shooting at a class of five- and six-year-olds. He notes that such incidents in the UK are extremely rare and explains what some of the next steps in Merseyside police’s investigation may be as officers try to work out what the motivation for yesterday morning’s “ferocious” knife attack was.

Related: Southport attack stirs memories of Dunblane as investigations begin

7.56am BST

Where did the attack take place?

7.53am BST

King Charles sent his “most heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones of the victims.

He said: “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.”

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the events in Southport were “just truly awful” and that “the whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard”.

“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 with the wider community. It is impossible to imagine what they are going through.”

He also thanked the emergency services for their response, saying: “They have responded to an awful incident today. I want to thank them for the professionalism they have shown in doing so.”

7.51am BST

You can watch a clip from last night’s police press conference here:

7.50am BST

Residents and business owners described horrific scenes after the attack, including children bleeding in the street and parents screaming as they tried to locate their child.

Alaina Riley, 18, said her aunt, who lives across the road from the venue, witnessed “little kids run out screaming covered in blood” and two staff members “crawling” out of the building.

Riley said her aunt saw parents running out of the dance class carrying children covered in blood and attempting to resuscitate them.

“I think it was pickup time,” Riley said. “She said she had never heard screams like it. She was distraught and in an absolute state on the phone to me.”

Local people were reportedly bringing children out of the building to tend to their injuries before the emergency services arrived.

Colin Parry, the owner of Masters car repair shop, which is next door to the Hart Space, said he saw “two or three kids” lying seriously injured on the floor.

“It was horrific, absolutely,” he said, adding that his colleague ran to the door of the dance studio after he heard “screaming that wasn’t normal”.

“About 10 kids go running past him, all bleeding, and one of them collapsed on the floor outside,” he said.

Further down the road, Debrah Parker, 57, said she heard a young girl come out of the building saying: “Mum, I’ve been stabbed, I’ve been stabbed.”

“She [the mother] bundled her in the car as fast as she could, she was screaming: ‘Help me, help me.’ She was covered in blood,” she said.

7.50am BST

Six children remain in critical condition after two killed in Southport attack

Six children and two adults remain in a critical condition in hospital after yesterday’s knife attack in Southport.

Two children have already died as a result of the attack, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class at the Hart Space, a studio that also hosts antenatal and hypnobirthing classes, in the north-west seaside town.

Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of Merseyside police, said a man armed with a knife had entered the class and started to attack the children at about 11.47am on Monday.

“When [officers] arrived, they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries,” she said.

“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”

A 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks in Lancashire and born in Cardiff, was later arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with the attack.

Kennedy said “the motivation for the incident remains unclear” but it was not currently being treated as terrorist-related, although Counter Terrorism Police North West had offered their support to the force in its investigation.

You can read a full report of yesterday’s incident here:

Related: Two children die and nine injured after ‘ferocious’ knife attack in Southport

We will bring you the latest developments as we get them.