Southport knife attack injures 8, including children

A knife attack in Southport, a seaside town near Liverpool, left at least eight people injured on Monday, including children, local authorities reported.

As reported by The New York Times, the incident occurred shortly before noon on Hart Street. Merseyside Police, who responded to the scene, have detained a suspect and seized a knife, assuring the public that there is no further danger.

Several victims were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, which declared a “major incident” to manage the emergency. Witnesses described seeing bloodied children and armed police at the scene. Colin Parry, a local business owner, likened the situation to a “scene from a horror movie.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, addressing Parliament, expressed deep concern and pledged the government’s full support to local authorities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack, calling it “horrendous and deeply shocking,” and commended the swift response of emergency services.

At the time of the attack, a children’s event was taking place at Hart Space, a community studio near Hart Street. The studio was hosting a sold-out Taylor Swift-themed workshop for children.

Police and fire trucks remained on site throughout the afternoon, with parts of Hart Street blocked off. Schools in the area had recently begun their summer break, and the investigation into the attack is ongoing.

[Information sourced from The New York Times]