Police in Southport have declared a “major incident” as young children are amongst at least eight who have been stabbed.
Armed police arrested a suspect and a witness described the scene as something out of a “horror movie.”
Armed police seized a knife at a property on Hart Street, Southport, north of Liverpool on Monday morning shortly before 11:50am.
At least eight who were stabbed were being treated by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)and are now receiving treatment for their wounds at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said, “We can confirm that the trust has declared a major incident.
“The trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our emergency department is currently extremely busy.
“We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent.
“All other appointments and services are running as normal.”
One witness Colin Parry who called the police said that he thinks maybe six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed on Monday morning.
Speaking to PA news agency Parry said, “The mothers are coming here now and screaming.
“It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
“Police have got him,” he added.
“It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.”
I’m live from Hart Street in Southport after police have cordoned off a huge area following a ‘major incident’
The ECHO understands that a stabbing has taken place at a children’s dance class and one person, believed to be a child, has tragically died. pic.twitter.com/a23sSKWmr2
— Megan Banner (@MeganJBanner) July 29, 2024
Merseyside Police said, “There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.
“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on X, “I am deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport. All my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected.
“I have spoken to the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding.”
NWAS said that 13 ambulances attended along with resources such as air ambulance and doctors including Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart).
