Taylor Swift responds to Southport stabbing at themed dance class

Taylor Swift responds to the tragic mass stabbing at a themed dance class in Southport

Two children have died and 11 were injured in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, U.K., on Monday. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed the fatalities and injuries in a statement. "It is with great sadness that today I am here to advise that two young children have died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack this morning," she said. "Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident."

A 17-year-old male from Banks, originally from Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He will be interviewed by detectives. Police were called at 11:47 a.m. to a seaside town address where the attack took place. Kennedy noted, "When they arrived, they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries."

The children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school when the suspect entered and began attacking those inside. "We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked," Kennedy added.

The North West Ambulance Service transported 11 casualties to various hospitals, including Alder Hey and Royal Manchester Children’s hospitals.

Taylor Swift shared a heartfelt message following the attack: "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."