LONDON: American singer Taylor Swift expressed profound shock and grief following a tragic stabbing attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, England, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to several others.
In an emotional Instagram post, Swift expressed her grief over the incident. “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock,” the singer wrote. She added, “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families,” referring to the children, their families, and first responders. The dance class had been celebrating Swift’s music when the attack occurred.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Monday, where a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The assailant reportedly entered the dance studio armed with a knife and began attacking the children. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as police continue their investigation.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy provided details at a news conference. “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked,” she said. The police statement confirmed that the two children who died on Monday were girls aged six and seven. The third child, a nine-year-old girl, succumbed to her injuries early Tuesday morning.
The attack has deeply shaken the community and the nation, with eight other children suffering stab wounds, five of whom are in critical condition. Two adults who were injured are also reported to be in critical condition.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow over the incident. “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport,” King Charles said in a statement shared on the royal family’s official social media channels.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also addressed the tragedy, stating that the “whole country” has been left “deeply shocked at what they’ve seen” in Southport. Starmer described the attack as an “unthinkable” tragedy and pledged support for the affected families and the local community.
