LONDON — Police investigating the deadly attack on a children’s Taylor Swift-themed event in a seaside town of Southport, United Kingdom, said they were searching for a motive, as the musician said she was “in shock.”
“The investigation is in its early stages and the motivation for the incident remains unclear,” Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said on Monday.
Floral tributes near the scene in Hart Street, Southport, Britain, Tuesday July 30, 2024, where two children died and nine were injured in a “ferocious” knife attack, police said.
James Speakman/AP
Officers responded just before noon on Monday to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, according to Merseyside Police.
Two children were killed and nine others were injured in a stabbing attack at an event at a dance school in the seaside town, police said. Six of the wounded children were in critical condition, along with two adults, who were also stabbed, police said.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked,” Kennedy said Monday.
Merseyside Police said the children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school. A flyer for the two-hour event called it a “Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop.” The event was for children between 6 and 11 years old, according to post on the organizer’s Instagram.
The “horror” of the attack was “washing over me continuously,” Swift said in a post on Instagram. She said she was “completely in shock.”
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders,” she said. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to even convey my sympathies to these families.”
Police officers and forensic personnel put up a fence on Hart Street in Southport, northwest England, on July 29, 2024, following a knife attack.
Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images
A 17-year-old boy from Banks, a coastal village in Lancashire, just outside Southport, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, police said.
The suspect, whose name was not released, was born in Cardiff, Wales, police said.
The “full circumstances” were still being investigated, she said, adding that the attack wasn’t being investigated as a terror-related. Police were not searching for additional suspects, they said.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has expressed her shock and horror at the recent stabbing incident that took place in the UK, as police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. The incident, which occurred in a busy shopping district in London, left several people injured and sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Swift, who is known for her outspoken views on social issues, took to social media to share her thoughts on the tragic event. In a heartfelt post, she expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, and called for an end to senseless acts of violence.
The singer’s reaction comes as police work tirelessly to uncover the motive behind the attack. While details are still emerging, authorities have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack. The suspect, who was apprehended at the scene, is currently in custody as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
Swift’s response to the incident highlights the power of celebrities to bring attention to important social issues. By using her platform to speak out against violence and advocate for peace, she is sending a powerful message to her millions of fans around the world.
As the investigation into the stabbing incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy. Swift’s words of support for the victims and their families serve as a beacon of hope in a time of darkness, reminding us all of the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
In the wake of this shocking event, it is clear that we must remain vigilant and stand together against acts of violence. As police work to uncover the motive behind the attack, it is important for us all to remain united in our commitment to peace and justice. And with voices like Taylor Swift’s leading the charge, we can all work towards a brighter and safer future for all.
