Southport stabbings: Police confirm ages of the three young girls tragically killed

Police have confirmed the ages of three young girls who were tragically killed in a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

It comes after it was confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime that a third child had died following the attack, which took place at the event on Hart Street, Southport, shortly before midday on Monday.

The latest victim, a nine-year-old girl, died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Merseyside Police said in an update. Officers also confirmed that the two other children killed in the stabbing were two girls, aged six and seven.

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

In a statement, Merseyside Police 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. Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks and he remains in police custody.

"A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the