King Charles issues statement in wake of ‘utterly horrific’ Southport attack

29 July 2024, 20:46 | Updated: 30 July 2024, 01:15

The King and Queen have sent their tributes to the families of Monday's attack.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have paid tribute to the two children killed in Monday's attack in Southport, Merseyside.

Two children have been killed and nine injured following the Southport knife attack - with six left in critical condition.

Two adults, who were trying to protect the children, have also been left in critical condition, police said.

“My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today,” the royals wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute.

William and Kate wrote on X: "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.

"We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.

"Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most."

The children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when a 17-year-old with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.

"We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," she added.

She went on to say the motivation behind the stabbings "remains unclear".

"Counter-Terrorism Police North-West have offered their support to Merseyside Police as the full circumstances of what has happened are being established," she said.

"At this moment in time, the investigation is not being treated as terrorist-related."

It comes after a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with the attack.

The teenager, from Banks, Lancashire, born in Cardiff, was arrested on Monday morning and remains in police custody, Merseyside Police said. He will be questioned about the incident.

Emergency services were called to a property on Hart Street, Southport at around 11.50am.

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North-West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside head of service Dave Kitchin told a press conference the knife attack would leave a "lasting impact on the whole community".

Mr Kitchin also confirmed 11 casualties were treated at what he described as a "devastating scene".

'Scene in a horror movie'

A local business owner, who was one of the people who called the police, said the incident was like a "scene in a horror movie."

Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven "young girls" had been stabbed.

He said: "The mothers are coming here now and screaming.

"It is like a scene from a horror movie."

"Police have got him," he added.

"It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."

Jack Mitchell, who works on Hart Street in Southport, told LBC he believed the building where the attack took place was a daycare centre.

"It's just a few houses up the road, I think it is a daycare but it's just on a residential street," he said. 

The local told LBC his colleague had seen "kids being carried out of one of the houses."

Locals have been urged to stay away from the town centre.

Police are asking people not to speculate and that they will release more details as soon as they can.

'Deeply concerned'

Home Secrtary Yvette Cooper said she was "deeply concerned" about the "very serious incident" in Southport.

"All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected.

"I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding."

Merseyside's Police & Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: "Like everyone, I am deeply shocked and concerned about the major incident in Southport this morning.

"An arrest has been made and there is no wider risk to the public.

"I would urge people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate about this incident.

"Official updates will follow shortly."