Nine others were injured, six of whom were in critical condition, investigators said at a press conference on Monday. Two adults were also seriously injured, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said. A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Motive is unclear
The motive is still unclear. The crime in the north-west English city between Liverpool and Blackpool has caused horror across the country. According to investigators, the children were attending an event at a dance school when the suspected perpetrator entered armed with a knife and stabbed them. It was not a terrorist act, said Chief Constable Kennedy.
The police arrested the youth and confiscated a knife. The suspect comes from the suburb of Banks. A street was cordoned off there. There is no further danger to the public, said Merseyside Police.
“Shocking news”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of shocking news. “My thoughts are with everyone affected.” He will be kept informed of developments. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed concern.
Southport with a population of around 90,000 is a coastal town in northwest England between Liverpool and Blackpool.
Localization: Southport is a Coastal town in north-west England
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