Two children killed and nine injured in UK stabbing

At least two children have died and nine others were injured on Monday, during a stabbing at a children's dance workshop in England. 

Six of the nine children are in critical condition, according to the BBC, along with two adults who were reportedly trying to protect some of the students. One 17-year-old male has been arrested for murder and attempted murder.

Merseyside Police officials said the motive for the attack, which occurred during a Taylor Swift themed event, is currently "unclear," but the incident is not being investigated as terror related.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy characterized the stabbing as a "ferocious attack" and said the suspect was mainly targeting children.

"It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children," Kennedy said in a news conference. "We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked."

"As a mum of two daughters, and the nana 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," she added.

King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both sent their condolences to the families of those impacted by the attack as well.

"My wife and I were profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today," the king said in a statement on X. "We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack."

The police said they are not looking for any other suspects in the attack, and the current suspect will be questioned by local police. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.