U.S. singer Taylor Swift expressed her profound shock on Tuesday upon learning that three young girls had been fatally stabbed and five other children were critically injured during a brutal attack at a dance event in northern England dedicated to her music. A 17-year-old male is currently in police custody, suspected of murder and attempted murder, following the incident at the 'Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop' in Southport, north of Liverpool. This event, held on Monday morning, was intended for children aged six to 11. Police confirmed on Tuesday that a third child had succumbed to injuries from the attack, with the victims being girls aged six, seven, and nine. Additionally, eight other children sustained stab wounds, with five still in critical condition. Two adults were also critically injured while trying to shield the young victims, according to police. Witnesses compared the scene to a horror film.
'The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is overwhelming me and I am utterly shocked,' Swift wrote on Instagram. 'These were just little kids at a dance class. I am completely at a loss for words to express my condolences to these families.' Swift's fans have collectively raised over 50,000 pounds ($64,000) online to support the families of the victims and the hospital treating some of the children. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack, which police are not treating as terrorism-related, as 'horrendous,' while King Charles and his family expressed their shock. Merseyside Police stated that the motive remains unclear but confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the stabbings.
The incident has deeply shaken Southport, a tranquil seaside town, and Interior Minister Yvette Cooper was among those who visited the scene on Tuesday to lay flowers. 'There will be widespread distress across the country, as well as here in Southport, over this appalling, truly horrific attack because it's beyond every parent's worst nightmare,' she told broadcasters. Cooper emphasized the importance of the police exploring every possible angle in their investigation, amidst intense speculation on social media about the suspect, who was born in Cardiff and lived in a nearby village. 'A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport,' police said. 'This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.'
