Two children have died and at least 11 other people have been injured in a multiple stabbing at a holiday children's camp in the town of Southport, on the outskirts of Liverpool, this Monday. Six of the injured are in critical condition, including two adults. The police arrested the suspect, a 17-year-old armed with a knife, and declared the incident a "major incident". The police have confirmed that it is not an act of terrorism.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the 17-year-old perpetrator was born in Cardiff (Wales) and had recently been living in Banks, but did not disclose his identity or speculate on the possible motive, although the investigation has ruled out any terrorism-related connection to the incident.
The attack occurred unexpectedly while the children were attending a dance class. Two adult caregivers were injured in their attempt to protect the children. Several described the scenes as "a horror movie," with children fleeing the premises and the wounded being tended to by caregivers and emergency services.
The premier Keir Starmer has condemned the incident as "horrible and appalling" and has thanked the quick response of the emergency services that prevented a greater tragedy. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed her "deep concern" over the knife attack and has conveyed her condolences to the affected families.
Emergency services were alerted shortly before noon on Monday, following the intervention of several officers in response to a knife attack on Hart Street at a venue used as a children's camp for activities such as yoga or ballet. The officers managed to disarm and apprehend the suspect, who apparently acted alone.
Several witnesses saw the suspect arrive in a taxi, with his face concealed under a hood, and head directly to the venue where about 25 children, aged between 6 and 11, were under the care of several teachers.
Thirteen ambulances arrived at the scene and at least eight patients were admitted to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Among them, several children who were treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.