Southport stabbing: Eight people taken to hospital including children after 'major incident'

Eight people, including children, have been taken to hospital following reports of multiple stabbings in Southport.

A huge emergency response has been scrambled to the area after calls were first made to police just before 11.50am on Monday. Ambulance and police were called to the “major incident” at a property on Hart Street. A man has been detained a knife recovered at the scene.

It has now been confirmed that eight people have been taken to hospital for treatment, including children.

READ MORE: Southport stabbing major incident LIVE as police say multiple people injured

In a statement NWAS said: "North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.

"We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.

"So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital."

Earlier this afternoon Merseryside Police issued shortly saying: "We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July.

"At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing. There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.

"Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station. Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public."