Southport stabbing update as 'six or seven girls' attacked at children's dance class

A horrified business owner, one of the people to call the police after today's shocking knife attack on children in Southport, described it as like a "scene in a horror movie".

Meanwhile, one parent said his daughter had been at the dance class where the knifeman struck but had managed to run away.

At least eight people, some of them children, were injured in stabbings in northwest England on Monday, emergency services said.

Police said they had detained a man and seized a knife at the Hart Space in Hart Street, which was hosting a Taylor Swift-themed "yoga and dance workshop" at the time, according to an advertisement shared on Facebook.

Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven "young girls" had been stabbed. Unconfirmed reports have claimed one person has been killed.

He said: "The mothers are coming here now and screaming.

"It is like a scene from a horror movie."

He added: "Police have got him. It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."

Alder Hey Children's Hospital have declared a "major incident".

The 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."

In a statement, 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 added: "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."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "deeply concerned''.

Merseyside Police tweeted: "One man has been arrested and a knife seized. There are casualties.

"There is no wider threat to the public. Follow us for updates and please avoid speculation."