Taylor Swift in ‘complete shock’ over Southport knife rampage as she says ‘these were just little kids at a dance class’

TAYLOR Swift says she is in “complete shock” over the Southport knife rampage in which three young girls have died and others fight for their lives.

The attack occurred at the end of a dance and yoga session themed on the US musician yesterday morning – with a 17-year-old boy later arrested.

Instagram

Getty

Getty

PA

Three girls, including two aged six and seven, have died, with eight other kids injured and five in a critical condition – with two adults also critical.

In a post on Instagram, Swift, 34, said today: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock.

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

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

What we know so far…

• Armed police were called to the scene on Hart Street, Southport, at 11.47am on Monday
• Three girls have died after being stabbed – two aged six and seven
• Eight other children were injured and five remain in critical condition
• Two adults are also in critical condition – one understood to be teacher Leanne Lucas, 35
• A 17-year-old boy, from Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a knife seized
• A video shows an individual wearing a green hoodie and face mask pacing back and forth outside
• Patients were 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 dance event
• Swift posted a message about the incident on social media
• Event organiser Heidi Liddle escaped uninjured after locking kids in a toilet to protect them
• Jonathan Hayes, 63, ran into the dance studio and tried to fend off the attacker, and was stabbed in the leg

“I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

Teachers Leanne Lucas and colleague Heidi, both 35, bravely protected dozens of kids during the incident at their summer camp.

Leanne is understood to be fighting for her life in hospital after “bravely trying to protect” kids at the Hart Space Studios.

Her colleague Heidi escaped uninjured after heroically locking some of the children inside a toilet to keep them safe.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Hayes, 63, ran into the dance studio and tried to fend off the attacker moments after hearing screams from his nearby office.

He is understood to have been stabbed in the leg after placing himself between the knifeman and children.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said those injured had all suffered stab wounds in the “ferocious attack”.

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

The suspect, from Banks, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the force said.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody accused of murder and attempted murder.

It comes after a masked man has been pictured outside a house that was later raided by police.

Southport summer camp attack timeline

Monday, July 29

10am

Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop begins at The Hart Space in Hart Street

11.47am

Police called to reports of a stabbing, and a major incident is declared

5.25pm

Police confirm 17-year-old male was arrested – and later clarify he was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder

7.18pm

Police confirm two young children have died

Tuesday, July 30

8.30am

Police confirm suspect continues to be questioned

10.30am

Taylor Swift posts tribute on Instagram

Midday

Police confirm a third girl has died – also say ages of first two deaths were six and seven

A video obtained by ITV shows an individual wearing a green hoodie and face mask pacing back and forth outside the front door.

The doorbell footage then shows several police cars and a group of officers, including some who are armed, appearing at the same house.

A staff member at the Hart Space, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she heard the suspect was wearing a “black hood” when he reportedly stabbed multiple children.

Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.

They said: “There were probably 25 children there because that’s the max we have there and they had reached the max.

“I don’t even know if the teachers are okay, they posted the other day that they were full for this Taylor Swift holiday club this morning.”

At the scene, meanwhile, flowers and teddies have been left by the police cordon.

One message in a “Thinking Of You” card said “thoughts and prayers” are with those affected and was signed: “Love – Southport.”

Another added: “Fly high with angels little ones.”

Merseyside Police declared a major incident as armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service descended on the mass casualty scene.

Ian Leonard

Facebook

Linkedin

Getty