17-year-old male arrested after stabbing attack at Southport dance party

A woman said that the man was running around Southport’s Hart Street said that a man was running around the area with a knife.

London — Stabbing Attack In the northern English town of Southport, a harrowing incident unfolded on Monday as at least eight individuals were stabbed with some victims, including children, being rushed to hospitals. The Merseyside Police reported receiving an emergency call about the stabbings, leading to a “major incident” declaration around 11:50 a.m. local time.

The police swiftly apprehended a male suspect, seizing a knife in the process. “There are multiple casualties, and further details will be provided as soon as possible” the police stated. “We ask the public to avoid the area as we manage this situation. There is no broader threat at this time.”

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that they had transported eight individuals with stab wounds to three separate hospitals, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. The authorities were called to a Southport address, near Liverpool, around noon. The incident has been classified as a “major incident,” with several police units, ambulances, and a fire engine present on the scene.

NWAS announced their involvement on Hart Street, Southport, in response to the multiple stabbings, deploying various emergency resources. “We are assessing the situation and collaborating with emergency partners” they said.

A local resident near the incident site, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, described hearing sirens and a helicopter overhead around midday. “Messages quickly circulated on local WhatsApp groups, warning us to lock our windows and doors,” she recounted. “It’s terrifying. Everyone is panicking and trying to contact loved ones in the area. It’s unimaginable that this could happen on a Monday lunchtime.”

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Colin Parry, a local business owner who alerted the police, likened the scene to a “horror movie.” He expressed shock, noting that a number of young girls were among the victims. “The mothers are here now, screaming. It feels surreal, like something you’d hear about in America, not here in sunny Southport,” Parry said. He also mentioned directing police to an address behind the Hart Space studios, where a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children aged six to eleven was taking place at the time of the incident.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust in Liverpool, approximately 20 miles from Southport, declared a “major incident,” stating that their Emergency Department was extremely busy. “We urge parents to bring their children to the Emergency Department only if it’s urgent,” the hospital advised.

Patrick Hurley, the British MP representing Southport, expressed deep concern over the incident. “I hope for the best possible outcomes for the victims. My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, and the entire community,” Hurley said on social media platform X.

This is an ongoing situation, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.