2 children dead, 11 injured in UK knife attack at yoga & dance class for kids

Two children died and another 11 were injured following a knife attack at a yoga and dance class in the UK town of Southport, AP News reported.

Six children and two adults, who tried to shield the children, are in critical condition.

The incident, at a studio, occurred on Jul. 29 during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class for children aged six to 11.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in relation to the stabbing.

UK police said the motive is unclear, but the attack is not being treated as terror-related.

"Ferocious" knife attack that left police in shock

According to The Guardian, a person armed with a knife had entered the class at about 11:47am (UK time) on Jul. 29, whereupon he started to attack the children.

Police said when they arrived, they were shocked to find multiple people, many of whom were children, with serious injuries following a "ferocious" knife attack.

The owner of a car repair shop beside the studio where the attack happened said that a colleague had ran towards the entrance of the studio after hearing screams that "wasn't normal".

About 10 kids then ran past his colleague, all of them bleeding and one of them collapsed on the floor outside, he added.

A total of 13 ambulances were sent to the scene.

Another resident who lives on the same street as the studio said his mother saw emergency workers carrying children covered in blood and bearing stab wounds on their back, AP News further reported.

The police was quoted by The Guardian as saying that the families of the deceased and the injured children are being supported by specialist officers, along with trauma support for all who were affected by the incident.

British monarchy and PM issue condolences

Both the British monarchy and prime minister Keir Starmer have issued their condolences over the incident.

In a statement on X, King Charles III said he and his wife were "profoundly shocked" to hear about the stabbing in Southport and sent their condolences to the affected families.

A message from His Majesty The King following the tragic incident in Southport today. pic.twitter.com/4aUK8btptX

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 29, 2024

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who described the attack as "horrid and heinous", also issued their condolences.

They also thanked the emergency workers for their response to the incident.

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…

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 29, 2024

Meanwhile, Starmer said his thoughts were with those affected by the incident and added that he was being kept updated on the situation.

Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected.

I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.

I am being kept updated as the situation develops.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 29, 2024

Top screenshot via Channel 4 News/YouTube