Southport stabbing LIVE updates from police cordon after two children killed with six fighting for life

A huge scene remains in place after two children were killed in a 'ferocious' stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party.

Six children and two adults remain in a critical condition as police continue to question a 17-year-old boy over the deadly knife attack in Southport yesterday morning (Monday).

The boy, born in Cardiff, is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the attack in Hart Street, Merseyside Police said.

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Further details of the victims, including age and gender, have not been given by police, who said they are not treating the incident as terror-related but added the motive “remains unclear”.

Three other children were injured in the stabbing while the two adults were hurt trying to protect the youngsters, the force said.

All the casualties are now being treated in hospitals, including children’s hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester.

The King said on Monday evening that he and the Queen had been “profoundly shocked” to hear of the “utterly horrific incident in Southport today”.

Charles added: “We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates from the scene on this incident.

Following a police press conference on Monday evening, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered his condolences to the victims of the attack in Southport, and their families and friends, saying “the whole country is deeply shocked”.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “It is devastating that two children have