Taylor Swift fans raise 'huge' money for Southport stabbing victims after 'horror' attack

Devoted fans of Taylor Swift have rallied, amassing over $128,000 on JustGiving for the families impacted by the tragic Southport stabbing, which resulted in the loss of three young lives. The online community of "Swifties" mobilized swiftly upon hearing the dreadful news.

In a devastating attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga session in Southport, within the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside near Liverpool, an unimaginable event unfolded, described as akin to a scene from a terrifying horror film.

On Monday, July 29, coincidentally marking the start of the school summer break, three children were killed and another five are battling for their lives in critical condition. The staggering sum raised is thanks to the generosity of more than 6,000 supporters who've contributed to the JustGiving campaign kick-started by Swift's fans on that very Monday afternoon.

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Currently, the collections are directed towards Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where the initiative extends to gifting friendship bracelets to those under medical care.

Administrators of the dedicated Taylor Swift UK and EU group on Facebook, Cristina, and Holly, have been tirelessly promoting the fund drive. They said, "We are working with Alder Hey Children's Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport," detailing, "And raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed."

The heartfelt plea on the fundraising page reiterates: "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. Forever and always, thank you," reports the Mirror .

One contributor to the page wrote: "Thinking off all the families involved in this horrific attack my heart goes out to the children that have lost there life's heartbreaking." Another added: "Sending love to everyone involved and I hope all the girls get well soon. Thank you so much to all the emergency service and health staff - truly heroic."

A third person commented: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this horrific event."

Earlier today, a spokesperson from Merseyside confirmed that a third child had tragically died following the dreadful incident. They stated: "Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday 29 July.

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"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July. We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years. Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.

"Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time. Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks and he remains in police custody.

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"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."

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"Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Victim Care officers will be at the Community Support Centre set up at Southport FC from 10am-6pm today to support those affected.

"Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support. Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs. You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Merseyside Police has said: "We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident."

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