A third child has died following a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, UK. The suspect, a 17-year-old, is in custody as the community mourns.
SOUTHPORT, UK (2-minute read) — A devastating incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, UK, where a 17-year-old boy went on a stabbing spree, resulting in the deaths of three children. The tragic event occurred on Monday, and left five other children and two adults in critical condition at local hospitals.
Taylor Swift expressed her shock and sorrow over the attack, stating on Instagram, “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.”
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, though a motive for the rampage is still under investigation. He was born in Cardiff, Wales, and had been living near Southport for several years. Police have confirmed that they are not seeking additional suspects, and do not believe it to be terror-related.
Witnesses described the attack as a scene from a horror movie, with bloodied children fleeing the community center. Bare Varathan, a local shop owner, recounted, “They were in the road, running from the nursery. They had been stabbed, here, here, here, everywhere,” indicating various parts of the body.
The dance class, held at the Hart Space community center, was a yoga and dance workshop for children aged 6-11. Leanne Lucas, the dance teacher, has been hailed as a hero for her efforts to protect the children during the attack. She is one of the two adults currently in critical condition.
Safety Tip: Always remain aware of your surroundings and have a safety plan in place for any public or community events involving children.
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