Southport stabbings: Girl, 9, becomes third child to die as police reveal more details

A third child has died following a horrific multiple stabbing in Southport.

Police announced yesterday that two children had been killed after a knifeman attacked people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class yesterday morning (Monday).

A third child has now died, Merseyside Police has confirmed this lunchtime. The victim, a nine-year-old girl, died in hospital in the early hours of this morning.

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Officers have also revealed further details about the two other children killed in the stabbing, two girls aged six and seven.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds during the attack. Five of them are in a critical condition.

Two adults are also fighting for their lives in hospital after being injured in the incident, Merseyside Police confirmed.

In a statement, the force said: "Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday 29 July.

"The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July. We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.

"Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.

"Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time."

Following the stabbing, police arrested a 17-year-old male from the village of Banks, near to Southport, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He remains in police custody.

Police have said that a name shared on