Two children killed, 11 injured in stabbing attack at Taylor Swift dance party in UK, 17-year-old arrested

LONDON – Two children were killed and 11 people injured in a stabbing attack during a Taylor Swift concert at a dance school in the United Kingdom, police said.

Merseyside Police said the injured included nine children – six of them critically – and two adults in a critical condition. Police said it appeared the adults were trying to protect the children.

Police said they had arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism-related and no other suspects were being sought. The motive for the incident was unclear, police added.

Officers responded just before noon local time to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street in Southport, a coastal town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, according to Merseyside Police.

Police said officers who arrived at the scene were shocked by the “vicious” attack.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on social media: “Absolutely shocking and terrible news from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I will be kept updated as the situation develops.”

Southport is a city in Merseyside, North West England.