Taylor Swift says she is in “shock” after two children were killed and more were injured during a stabbing rampage at a yoga and dance workshop inspired by the popular entertainer.
British police arrested a 17-year-old male suspect and are working to understand what motivated the attack that also left 11 people — including nine children — injured in Southport, northwest England.
The attack happened during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop for children aged about six to 11 on Monday.
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Six children remain in a critical condition.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock, Swift said in a post shared with her mammoth Instagram following.
“The loss of life and innocence and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.
“These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said it appeared two teachers were injured while bravely trying to protect children in the class.
Locals left flowers and stuffed animals in tribute at a police cordon on the street lined with brick houses in the seaside resort near Liverpool — nicknamed “sunny Southport” — where the beach and pier attract holidaymakers.
Witnesses described scenes “from a horror movie” as bloodied children ran from the attack just before noon on Monday.
The suspect was arrested soon after on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Police said he was born in Cardiff, Wales, and had lived for years in a village about 5km from Southport. He has not yet been charged.
Police said detectives are not treating Monday’s attack as terror-related and they are not looking for any other suspects.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “horrendous and deeply shocking”.
King Charles sent his “condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies” to those affected by the “utterly horrific incident”.
– WIth AAP