Eight people - including children - treated for stab wounds after knifeman arrested in Southport after rampage

29 July 2024, 13:30 | Updated: 29 July 2024, 15:15

Armed police have detained a man after eight people - including children - are being treated for stab injuries following a "critical police incident" near Liverpool.

Emergency services were called to the incident at a property on Hart Street, Southport at about 11.50am on Monday.

Merseyside Police said it has declared a "critical police incident" after it received reports of a stabbing.

Alder Hey NHS trust has declared a major incident and have asked parents to only bring children to the Emergency Department if urgent.

One witness described it as a "scene in a horror movie" with mothers coming down and "screaming".

The force went on: "There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.

"Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.

"Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public."

LIVE: Multiple casualties as dozens of police and ambulances rush to 'major incident' in Southport as knifeman held

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said its paramedics were responding to reports of "multiple stabbings" in Southport.

An NWAS statement on social media said: "North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.

"We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.

"So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital."

'Scene in a horror movie'

A local business owner, who was one of the people who called the police, said the incident in Southport 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 told the PA news agency: "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."

A worker at Bridge Cafe on Hart Street said she had been informed that there were children injured but was unable to offer any further details

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."