‘These were just little kids in dance class’: Taylor Swift pays tribute to Southport stabbing victims as singer tells fans she is ‘completely shocked by the loss of life and innocence’
Taylor Swift posted an emotional message today after a knife attack during a dance class dedicated to her songs left two children dead and six others seriously injured.
A 17-year-old boy remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and is being questioned following the incident in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.
And the American singer wrote on Instagram today: ‘The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is still overwhelming me and I am just in complete shock.
‘The loss of lives and innocence, and the terrible trauma that everyone who was there, the families and the emergency workers, suffered.
“These were just little kids at a dance class. I really don’t know how I can ever express my condolences to these families.”
Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22
Taylor Swift says she is ‘in complete shock’ after ‘horror’ knife attack in Southport
A woman lays flowers at the crime scene in Southport this morning following yesterday’s incident
Floral tributes at crime scene in Southport today after two children died and nine were injured
Nine children were injured in the stabbings, in addition to the two dead and two adults who remain in critical condition after trying to protect the children.
Today, flowers and stuffed animals were left at the scene by the police cordon. One message in a ‘Thinking Of You’ card said ‘thoughts and prayers’ were with those affected and was signed: ‘Love – Southport.’ Another said: ‘Fly high with angels little ones.’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could visit the city today. Police have said that while the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be related to terrorism.
Witnesses to the incident said the alleged knifeman arrived at the dance studio in a taxi and got out without paying.
Emergency services said the scene was “horrific” and “chaotic” when they arrived at the children’s club. All victims are now being treated in hospitals.
Forensic officers in Southport, Merseyside, yesterday after the horrific stabbing incident
Police in Southport are today investigating the stabbing that left two children dead
Police say the suspect, who was born in Cardiff, is from the village of Banks, just outside Southport. A road in the area has been cordoned off by detectives.
Merseyside Police said there was a serious incident at the scene of the crash, with armed emergency vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service at the scene.
King Charles said he and Camilla were “deeply shocked” to hear of the incident, while Prince William and Kate described it as an “appalling and horrific” attack.
The holiday club was billed as a Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop, as well as bracelet making, and a vigil for the victims is planned for tonight.
