Six children remain in critical condition following Southport stabbing

Two children were tragically killed in the Southport stabbing

Merseyside Police confirmed the devastating news yesterday evening.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed that two children were killed after a teenage boy entered a dance school at around 11. 47 am on Monday.

She stated: "It is with great sadness that today I am here to advise that two young children have died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack this morning.

"Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition, all those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack.

"Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident."

Staff tried to protect children during the attack

Officers believe the adults at the dance school tried to protect the children during the stabbing and were then severely injured.

"A 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives

The children were reportedly attending a Taylor Swift event at the dance school when the attacker entered the premises. He was armed with a knife, officers confirmed.

Kennedy said: "As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies."

Family liaison officers are supporting those affected during this distressing time.

A fundraiser has also been launched by Taylor Swift fans to help the families.

Over £28,000 has been raised for the families of the victims so far.

Funds raised will be donated to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

They will also be used as funeral funds for the two children who died in the attack.