One child has reportedly died and at least seven other people, including children, have been critically injured by a knifeman during a stabbing spree in Southport this morning.
Armed police officers detained a man and seized a knife after the attack ‘at a Taylor Swift themed workshop’ in Southport, Merseyside, just before noon today.
Mersey Police urged people to avoid the area around Hart Street but said there was ‘no wider threat’ to the public.
The knife rampage left one child dead, the Liverpool Echo reported. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was ‘deeply concerned’ by the attack.
A local business owner, who was one of the people who called the police, said the incident in Southport was like a ‘scene in a horror movie.’
Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven ‘young girls’ had been stabbed.
He said: ‘The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie.’
Multiple people ‘including children’ have been stabbed after a man went on a knifing spree this morning
The knife rampage left one child dead, the Liverpool Echo reported
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was ‘deeply concerned’ by the attack
A police officer cordons off the area after the attack that ‘a child dead’ and seven others injured, including children
Officers urged people to avoid the area around Hart Street but said there was ‘no wider threat’ to the public
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing spree
A major incident has been declared after a stabbing involving a ‘number of casualties’
‘Police have got him. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.’
A staff member at The Bridge Cafe on Hart Street told MailOnline: ‘We were told somebody’s been stabbing children.
‘It’s chocka. It’s all cordoned off, police cars at every junction. Parents are stood outside waiting.’
A local parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter was ‘traumatised’ by the attack.
He said: ‘My daughter was in it and she was traumatised. She ran away and she’s safe.’
An air ambulance was seen in a nearby car park and people in the area said local Whatsapp groups told neighbors to ‘lock your windows and doors’, the Liverpool Echo reported.
Firefighters were also seen at the scene of the major incident on Monday
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) sent 13 ambulances, specialised resources of its Hazardous Area Response Team, Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) sent 13 ambulances, specialised resources of its Hazardous Area Response Team, Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.
It said: ‘So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.’
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘I am deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport. All my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected.
‘I have spoken to the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police and thanks to the emergency services responding.’
Merseyside’s Police & Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: ‘I am deeply shocked and concerned about the major incident in Southport this morning.
‘An arrest has been made. I would urge people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate about this incident.’
Merseyside Police said: ‘We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday, July 29.
‘At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.
Armed police officers detained a man and seized a knife after the attack that left multiple people wounded in Southport, Merseyside
An air ambulance was seen in a nearby car park
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing spree
‘There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.
‘Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
‘Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.’
The force added: ‘There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.’
North West Ambulance Service said: ‘We’re attending a major incident on Hart Street, Southport following reports of multiple stabbings in which we have dispatched multiple resources.
‘We’re assessing the situation and working with emergency partners.’
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has declared a ‘major incident’.
A spokesperson said: ‘The Trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy.
‘We ask parents to only bring their children to the Emergency Department if it is urgent. All other appointments and services are running as normal.’
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by the reports coming from Merseyside Police.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said: ‘I am deeply concerned by the reports coming from Merseyside Police about a major incident on Hart Street in Southport today.
‘I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected.
‘My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones and to the entire community.
‘The police have confirmed that an individual involved in the attack has now been detained.
‘I am repeating the advice of the police to avoid the area whilst the police and ambulance teams support this incident.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
