Taylor Swift has spoken out about the “horror” of yesterday’s mass stabbing in Southport, expressing her “sympathies” to those involved.
As BBC News reports, two children were killed in a knife attack that took place at a Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop on Monday July 29. Six children and two adults remain in a critical condition.
A 17-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody. According to police, he is originally from Cardiff and lived in the village of Banks close to Southport in Merseyside, England.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the stabbing “horrendous and deeply shocking”, adding: “My thoughts are with all those affected.” The PM also thanked the emergency services and Merseyside Police for their response to “the most difficult of circumstances”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote: “The news from Southport is truly devastating. My heart goes out to all the families affected by this horrific incident & to the whole community.”
Today (July 30), pop star Swift shared a statement on her Instagram Stories feed.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock,” she wrote.
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”
The singer continued: “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
See a screenshot of Swift’s message above.
The stabbing is believed to be an isolated incident, and it is not being treated as terror-related. Police are not looking for other suspects in connection with the attack. However, the motivation for the incident currently remains “unclear”.
In a statement to the press, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
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