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

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”.

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

Swift was among those to express her condolences after the attack. The American singer-songwriter said she was “completely in shock”.

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.

Police said a man armed with a knife entered the class 10 minutes before it was due to finish and carried out a “ferocious attack”.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire was later arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in relation to the attacks, and is being questioned by police.

In a statement published on Tuesday, Swift said: “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.”