Two children killed and nine others injured in Southport stabbings - with six in critical condition

Kennedy said the adults who were injured were thought to be "bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked" at a Taylor Swift event at a dance school on the town's Hart Street.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire remains in police custody following the stabbings - but the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Earlier in the day, eight people with stab injuries received treatment at the scene and were taken to hospitals including Alder Hey Children's Hospital, according to North West Ambulance Service.

Emergency services were called to Hart Street at around 12pm, before armed police detained the 17-year-old, seizing a knife.

Reacting to the attack, the Prime Minister said the events today were "just truly awful", and that the whole country was "deeply shocked at what they've seen and heard".

Sir Keir Starmer said: "I know I speak for the whole country when I say our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and the wider community.

MORE FROM THE NORTH WEST:

• Armed police lay down their guns as they rally behind Manchester Airport officer
  
• Families in North West pay over £1,300 a year in electricity – which region pays the highest in energy bills?
  
• Schoolgirl, 10, named as person who died in North Yorkshire mudslide after heavy rain

"It's almost impossible to imagine the grief and the trauma that they're going through."

The PM also thanked emergency services for their "professionalism" in their response to the "unthinkable" circumstances.

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

Another witness at the scene said he called police to an address behind the Hart Space studios, where a yoga class for children in school years two to six - aged between six and 11 - was underway.

Police had set up a large cordon around the dance school, with police officers guarding either end.

Officers and vehicles could be seen from a distance inside the cordon, including crime-scene officers in white boiler suits.

Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "I am utterly shocked and devastated to hear about the truly appalling incident this morning in Southport.

"First and foremost, my heart goes out to the young victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. I cannot even imagine the untold pain and heartache they are facing. My thoughts are also with all those who suffered injuries and who have been affected by this harrowing incident.

"To hear that innocent, defenceless children have been attacked during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school as they enjoyed the start of the school summer holidays is unthinkable and absolutely abhorrent.

"These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness.

"Our region will be heartbroken that more young lives have been lost at the hands of violence and more have suffered serious injuries, and I share local people’s deep concern and anguish.

"Thanks to the efforts of police officers, an arrest was made quickly and there is no wider threat to the public."