Southport stabbings: Two children killed and six in a critical ...

Two children have been killed and nine others are injured after a knife attack in Southport, north of Liverpool.

Warning: This article contains descriptions some readers may find distressing.

All of the nine children who were injured were stabbed and six are in a critical condition. Two adults who were trying to protect the children are also in a critical condition.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is in Southport today, said in a statement after Monday's attack: "What has happened is utterly heartbreaking."

The King and Queen are among those who have sent their "deepest sympathies" to the families of those affected.

A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire, born in Cardiff in Wales, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Read more:Witnesses describe stabbingsWhat we know so farHow the attack unfolded

Police were called to reports of a knife attack at an address in Southport at 11.47am on Monday morning.

Chief Constable Kennedy said when officers arrived they were "shocked to find" several children had been "subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries".

She added: "It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside."

The chief constable said the suspect's motive is unclear at this early stage but the investigation is not being treated as terror-related.

Paramedics encounter 'devastating scene'

Sky News understands the stabbings took place at a community centre called Hart Space, often used for mother and baby classes, on Hart Street in the Merseyside town.

A poster shows a "Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop" aimed at children aged between primary school years two and six (6-11 years old) was taking place at the centre at the time of the attack.

Specialist officers are supporting the families of the children who were killed and those who were injured, Chief Constable Kennedy has said.

Dave Kitchin, head of service for the North West Ambulance Service in Cheshire and Merseyside, said paramedics encountered a "devastating scene" when they arrived.

He added ambulances and air ambulances were used to take the 13 victims to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Manchester Children's Hospital, Aintree Hospital, Southport & Formby Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital.

Alder Hey declared a "major incident", saying its emergency department was "currently extremely busy" and urged parents to only bring their children to the department if it was urgent.

Meanwhile, firefighters arrived at the scene of the stabbings to provide trauma care, administer first aid and carry out a search for other people who may have been caught up in the attack.

'Mothers were screaming'

Armed officers seized a knife when they arrested the suspect as Merseyside Police also declared a "major incident".

The force urged the public to avoid the area - as local businessman Colin Parry likened the scene to a "horror movie".

Mr Parry also told Sky News how his colleague had carried a young girl who was covered in blood and was trying to keep her alive.

He added other neighbours were helping to bring children out, one of whom had been targeted repeatedly.

"She was really critical. One of the other neighbours was looking after her on the floor," Mr Parry said.

"It was definitely intentional. It wasn't once. It was several times he stabbed these kids. The man is crazy."

Mr Parry also said "mothers were screaming" in the aftermath of the stabbings.

Katrina Marie, who works at the Hart Space, said in a statement on Facebook that the news has "shaken me to the core".

"We are one big family at the Hart Space," she said.

"There are absolutely no words to describe what's happened today and I'm praying for all families affected. Let's hold them all in our thoughts and please no more speculation until more information is released."

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'They were covered in red'

Another resident, Ryan Carney, told Sky News his mum was nearby and saw bodies "covered in blood".

"She [could] hear screaming and crying," Mr Carney said. "She goes out, and she goes round to see what happened, and all she said was she saw the members of police or ambulance carrying out a few bodies of girls.

"They were in white, but they were covered in red. Covered in blood. She said she could see the stab wounds."

Mr Carney said his mum then saw "a woman who was screaming who said that her child was lost, that she couldn't find her child".

"They let her into the cordon, and she ran down, and all you could hear is her screaming and crying, saying 'That's my child, that's my child' in the bodies."

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King shares his 'sympathies'

Moments after the King and Queen sent their "heartfelt condolences" after the attack, the Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a statement, saying: "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."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack was "horrendous and deeply shocking".

He thanked the police and the emergency services, adding he was being kept updated as the situation developed and his thoughts were with those affected.

Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said she was "utterly shocked" by what happened, adding: "These young people had their whole lives ahead of them and it is hard to find the words to convey our deep sadness."