A stabbing at a children's dance class in the Merseyside town of Southport has left two children dead and nine injured, six of them critically. Two adults are also in a critical condition after what police described as a "horrific attack".
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said a young man armed with a knife entered the classroom and began the attack at around 11:47 a.m. on July 29 (local time).
"When police arrived, they were shocked to find several people, including many children, who had been violently attacked and seriously injured. We believe the injured adults were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," she said.
The dance and yoga class for children aged six to 11 was led by two teachers and was scheduled to end at noon, just 10 minutes after the stabbing.
Police and forensics at the scene of the attack. Photo: Christopher Furlong
Witnesses described hearing terrifying screams and seeing children covered in blood running out of classrooms, while parents screamed trying to find their children.
Alaina Riley, 18, said her aunt, who lives opposite the venue, saw "kids running out screaming, covered in blood" and two staff "crawling" out of the building.
Colin Parry, who owns a car repair shop, said most of the stabbing victims were young girls. "Mothers came running in screaming. It was like a scene from a horror movie."
In connection with the attack, a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Ms Kennedy said the "motive for the incident remains unclear" but the incident was not being treated as terrorism-related at this time, although North West Counter Terrorism Police had offered to assist the force with its investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrific and deeply shocking”. King Charles III sent his “deepest condolences, prayers and sympathies” to those affected by “this absolutely terrible incident”.
Hoai Phuong (according to Guardian, AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dam-dao-kinh-hoang-trong-lop-hoc-mua-o-anh-11-tre-thuong-vong-post305475.html
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