'Horrifying' stabbing in dance class in England, 11 children injured and dead

A stabbing at a children's dance class in the Merseyside town of Southport has left two children dead and nine injured, six of whom are in critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition following what police described as a "horrific attack".

Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy said a young man wielding a knife stormed into a classroom and began an attack at approximately 11:47 a.m. on July 29 (local time).

She said: "When the police arrived, they were shocked to find many people, including many children, had been violently attacked and seriously injured. We believe that the injured adults bravely tried to protect the children who were being attacked."

The dance and yoga class for children aged 6 to 11, led by two teachers, was scheduled to end at noon, just 10 minutes after the stabbing occurred.

Police and forensic experts are present at the scene of the attack. Photo: Christopher Furlong

Witnesses described hearing terrifying screams and seeing bloodied children running out of the classroom, while parents shouted, trying to find their children.

Alaina Riley, 18, said her aunt, who lives across from the venue, witnessed "children running out screaming, covered in blood" and two staff members "crawling" out of the building.

Colin Parry, the owner of an auto repair shop, said that most of the victims were young girls. "The mothers ran up screaming. It was like a scene from a horror movie."

In connection with the attack, a 17-year-old male teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Kennedy said "the motive for the incident remains unclear" but it is not currently being treated as terrorism-related, although the Northwest Counterterrorism Police have offered to assist in the investigation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrific and deeply shocking". King Charles III sent his "deepest condolences, prayers and sympathy" to those affected by "this utterly horrific event".

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