Third child dies following Southport stabbings

Five children and two adults remain in a critical condition

Merseyside Police announced in a statement on Tuesday that a nine-year-old girl had passed away from her injuries sustained in the attack.

The force said: "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.

"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 30 July."

Police also confirmed the children who died in the attack yesterday were girls aged six and seven.

They continued: "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."

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

Merseyside Police reiterated their desire for people not to speculate on the details of the attack while the investigation is ongoing, and said a name being shared on social media in connection with the suspect is incorrect.

Police said: "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."

The only details known about the suspect are that he is a 17-year-old male from nearby Banks, and was born in Cardiff.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and continues to be questioned by police.

At around 11:47am on Monday, the attacker armed with a knife entered a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class.

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

A fundraiser has also been launched by Taylor Swift fans to help the families, with over £60,000 having been raised so far.

Meanwhile, Swift herself has released a statement following the attack. In a post on Instagram, the popstar said she has not stopped thinking about the ‘horrendous’ attack since she heard about it.