Two children dead after 'ferocious' stabbings in Southport with teenage boy arrested on suspicion of murder

Two children have died after a 'ferocious' stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport on Monday (July 29).

Nine other children were also left injured, with six currently in a critical condition. All the children suffered stab wounds, police revealed at a press conference, with two other adults who had 'bravely tried to intervene' also left in a critical condition.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, along with MFRS Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside Head of Service Dave Kitchin issued the update speaking to media on Monday evening.

READ MORE Boy, 17, arrested in connection with horror stabbings in Southport

Ms Kennedy told reporters that a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and is set to be questioned following the “major incident” at the property in Hart Street, Southport, north of Liverpool, at about 11.50am on Monday.

Merseyside Police said the stabbings are not being treated as terror-related. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack.

And the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it had treated eleven patients at the scene, who were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Manchester Children's Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.

A statement issued by Merseyside Police on Monday evening read: "We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.

"At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic