Southport FC has announced the cancellation of their pre-season match against Morecambe scheduled for Tuesday, following the tragic event in the area that resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 11 others in a shocking knife attack.
The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on Monday morning, leaving two children deceased and nine others injured, including six in critical condition.
Armed police and paramedics were dispatched to Southport shortly before noon after a knifeman entered the local dance studio and initiated a ‘fierce assault,’ causing mothers arriving to pick up their children to scream in terror.
In addition to the two fatalities, 11 individuals, including nine additional children, were stabbed at the fully booked dance, yoga, and bracelet-making session, which was nearing its conclusion.
Currently, six children and two adults, who police stated ‘bravely attempted to shield them’ from the onslaught, are fighting for their lives in the hospital after the incident at Hart Space Studios on Hart Street.
Southport FC have confirmed the cancellation of their pre-season friendly against Morecambe on Tuesday
Police in Southport, Merseyside, where a 17-year-old has been arrested and a knife has been seized
Southport FC confirmed the cancellation of Tuesday’s fixture in a social media post on X
Forensic officers on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside, following a shocking knife rampage
The horrifying nature of the attack was laid bare in a press conference update on Monday evening
The frenzy took place towards the end of a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at Hart Space Studios (pictured) in Southport
The town’s National League team was set to face League Two club Morecambe at the local stadium on Tuesday evening, but they have opted to cancel the game in light of recent events.
Instead, they will be opening the clubhouse lounge for those in need of support, with specialized staff on hand to assist those impacted by the tragic event in Southport.
In a post on X, the club stated: ‘In light of today’s tragic events and after thorough discussions with local stakeholders, we have decided to cancel tomorrow night’s pre-season match against Morecambe FC as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives and for all those affected by this horrific incident.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families involved.
‘The clubhouse lounge will be open from 10am to 3pm tomorrow for anyone wishing to come together, share their thoughts, and find support during this challenging time.
‘Specialized support staff will be available to provide assistance and comfort. For those who have purchased tickets, we will share information regarding refunds shortly.’
Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy from the nearby village of Banks in Lancashire remains in custody, suspected of murder and attempted murder.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the teenager, originally from Cardiff, was residing in Banks and allegedly arrived in a taxi just as parents were picking up their children from the workshop.
Police, fire and ambulance crews are all seen at the scene this afternoon
Emergency crews and forensic teams descended on the scene after 13 people were stabbed
Police screens up at the scene of the tragic stabbing incident in Hart Street in Southport
The knife rampage left two children dead, police revealed in an update on Monday
The attack happened at at ‘Taylor Swift themed workshop’ on Hart Street in Southport. Police also later set up a cordon at a housing estate on Old School Close, around 15 minutes away from the scene
Police were alerted to reports of a stabbing in Southport at 11:47 AM, prompting emergency services to rush to the location. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital later declared a ‘major incident.’
Detectives are still investigating the motivation behind the attack. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy shared during a conference: ‘My officers were alerted to reports of a stabbing at 11:47 this morning at a location in Southport.
‘Upon arrival, they were horrified to find multiple individuals, many of whom were children, were victims of a brutal assault and had sustained serious injuries.
‘It is believed that the children were participating in a Taylor Swift event at a dance hall when the assailant, armed with a knife, entered and began attacking the children inside.
‘We understand that the injured adults were courageously attempting to protect the children being attacked.’
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were ‘profoundly shocked’ by the ‘utterly horrific incident’
Flowers and a stuffed animal are seen behind the police cordon
Forensic officers are pictured at the scene as emergency crews battled to save children
A police officer lays flowers at the scene of a multiple stabbing attack
Armed police officers detained a man and seized a knife after the attack that left multiple people wounded in Southport, Merseyside
The community has been rocked by the rampage which left two children dead and nine others injured
Following the press conference, King Charles issued a statement expressing: ‘My wife and I were profoundly saddened upon hearing about the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives, along with all others affected by this dreadful attack.’
Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen shared his sentiments, stating: ‘I just can’t find the words. I’m genuinely sickened by the state of the world we live in. By the country we live in.
‘Every single day something occurs that makes my stomach turn. Today is a new low. I’m praying for everyone involved in these shocking events in #Southport.’
