'UNIMAGINABLE'
Southport witnesses tell of stabbed children ‘covered in blood’ in scene ‘from a horror movie’ as 3 dead & 6 critical
Youngsters had gathered for a "yoga and dance" holiday club before the chaos unfolded.
WITNESSES have told of stabbed children "covered in blood" in scenes "from a horror movie" after a knife rampage in Southport.
Three children have died and six remain in a critical condition following the knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class yesterday.
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Two girls aged six and seven were identified as the first fatalities in the attack just before midday yesterday.
The third victim was named this afternoon as nine-year-old Alice Aguiar.
Dozens of youngsters had gathered for a "yoga and dance" holiday club before the chaos unfolded.
Cops have arrested a 17-year-old boy from Banks, Lancashire, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
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In a statement this morning, Taylor Swift said she is in "complete shock" over the horror.
Neighbour Colin Parry said he had a heated exchange with a young man he believes to be the attacker moments before the attack.
Colin told the Guardian: "He came down our driveway in a taxi and didn't pay for the taxi,
"I confronted him at that point. He was quite aggressive - he said: 'What are you gonna do about it?'"
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Colin said the man he now believes was the attacker then turned and walked out of the driveway of his business.
What we know so far...
- Three children have died after being stabbed
- Eight other children were injured and five are in critical condition
- Two adults are also in critical condition after bravely trying to save the youngsters
- Two yoga teachers heroically helped save some of the kids from the attacker
- Armed police were called to the scene on Hart Street, Southport, at 11.50am
- A 17-year-old boy has been detained and a knife seized
- Chilling footage shows an individual pacing outside a house before the attack
- Patients have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital
- The attack is understood to have taken place at a Taylor Swift-themed event
- The singer has said she is in "complete shock"
Moments later, Colin got a phone call from a colleague who had run to the dance studio after he heard "screaming that wasn't normal".
Colin said a member of staff saw "about 10 kids go running past him, all bleeding".
He added: "One of them collapsed on the floor outside the neighbour next door.
Two children killed and 6 critical after suspect, 17, launched horrific knife rampage at Taylor Swift event in Southport
"I went out and there's two or three kids just lying on the floor. I mean, it's a frenzied attack.
"It's not one stab. He's gone crazy, the lad's gone crazy."
Colin said he was "numb" after the "horrific" attack, which targeted children of primary school age.
He also saw one teenage girl had been stabbed as she tried to lead the younger children to safety.
Witness Colin said: "The mothers are coming here now and screaming.
"It is like a scene from a horror movie. It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."
Two hero teachers locked kids in a toilet to save them from the knife attack - with one now fighting for their life.
Leanne Lucas and colleague Heidi, both 35, bravely protected dozens of kids after a knifeman attacked their summer camp in Southport.
Terror cops have "offered support" to police probing the horror - but it is not understood to be terror-related.
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The King and Queen led tributes and are among those who have sent their "deepest sympathies" to the families of those affected.
Meanwhile, the Princess and Prince of Wales also made a heartfelt statement following the horror.
Southport summer camp attack timeline
Monday, July 29
10am
Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop begins at The Hart Space in Hart Street
11.47am
Police called to reports of a stabbing, and a major incident is declared
5.25pm
Police confirm 17-year-old male was arrested - and later clarify he was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder
7.18pm
Police confirm two young children have died
Tuesday, July 30
8.30am
Police confirm suspect continues to be questioned
10.30am
Taylor Swift posts tribute on Instagram
12pm
Police confirm a third child has died.
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