Three children have been killed in a Southport knife attack.
Police were called to Hart Street at around 11.50am on Monday after reports of multiple stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop held for kids.
A man was said to have entered the premises with a knife and attacked those inside, many of them children between the ages of six and 10 years old.
Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service rushed to the scene while Alder Hey Children’s Hospital also declared a major incident.
Police confirmed that two children were killed in the immediate ordeal while another nine suffered injuries with six of them in a critical condition along with two adults.
A third child, a nine-year-old girl, passed away in hospital overnight as a result of her injuries.
Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire but originally from Cardiff on suspicion of murder and attempted murder at the scene.
Chief constable Serena Kennedy said: “As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
“Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support.
“Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
“You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”