‘These were just little kids at a dance class’: Taylor Swift pays tribute to Southport stabbing victims as singer tells fans she is ‘completely in shock at the loss of life and innocence’

Taylor Swift posted an emotional message today after a knife attack at a dance class themed around her songs which left two children dead and six others critical.

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder and is being questioned following the incident in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.

Six of the children – aged between six and 11 – remain in a critical condition alongside two female adults who ‘bravely tried to protect them’.

The American singer wrote on Instagram today: ‘The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock.

‘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.’

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22

Taylor Swift said she is ‘completely in shock’ after the ‘horror’ of the Southport knife attack 

A woman leaves flowers near the scene in Southport this morning after yesterday’s incident

Floral tributes near the scene in Southport today after two children died and nine were injured 

Nine children were injured in the stabbings, alongside the two who died and two adults who remain in a critical condition after attempting to protect the youngsters.

At the scene today, flowers and teddies were left by the police cordon. One message in a ‘Thinking Of You’ card said ‘thoughts and prayers’ are with those affected and was signed: ‘Love – Southport.’ Another said: ‘Fly high with angels little ones.’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could visit the town today. Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.

A JustGiving page – set up by Taylor Swift fans – has already raised nearly £50,000 to help families affected by the tragedy and pay for the two funerals.

The family of one of the brave teachers, Leanne Lucas, 35, today paid tribute to her bravery and love for her students – alongside her passion for Taylor Swift.

Pauline Bennett, 64, said her neice had taught in China and Dubai before the Covid pandemic hit.

She continued: ‘Then she came home in Covid and now this happens. She went to the Taylor Swift concert and she got a big poster of her for the kids.’

The American singer started her recent Eras tour in Edinburgh, before playing her first three dates in England at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium – just a 45 minute drive from Southport.

Witnesses to the incident spoke of how the alleged knifeman arrived at the dance studio in a taxi and got out without paying.

Emergency services said the scene was ‘horrific’ and ‘chaotic’ as they arrived at the children’s club. All the casualties are now being treated in hospitals.

Forensic officers in Southport, Merseyside, yesterday following the horror stabbing incident

Police in Southport today as they investigate following the stabbing that left two children dead

Police said the suspect, who was born in Cardiff, is from the village of Banks, just outside Southport, and a road in the area was cordoned off by detectives.

Merseyside Police declared a major incident at the scene. with armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service descending on the mass casualty scene.

King Charles said he and Camilla had been ‘profoundly shocked’ to hear of the incident, while Prince William and Kate described it as a ‘horrid and heinous’ attack.

The holiday club was advertised as including a dance and yoga workshop themed around Swift as well as bracelet making. A vigil for the victims is planned for tonight.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the town to lay flowers at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport this morning.

Ms Cooper, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell walked to the cordon together, each holding a bouquet of flowers.

The Home Secretary stood for a few moments looking at the tributes before laying her flowers and reading some of the messages left by others.

She and Mr Hurley hugged. She is understood to have met with first responders in the town earlier.

Taylor Swift performs on stage during during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Anfield in Liverpool

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pays tribute to the child victims of the horror knife attack

Ms Cooper visited the town to lay flowers at the police cordon on Hart Street in Southport

Speaking to the media today, Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: ‘The town is in mourning, the town is in shock this morning. The incident that took place yesterday was uniquely horrific.

‘Southport’s a quiet seaside, coastal town. This has just sent shockwaves through the whole community.

‘It’s a very small town, Southport, and a lot of families across the area will be impacted directly.

‘I think at this stage we need to just reach out, make sure that there’s a level of community healing going on and make sure we give voice to the solidarity that people need right now.’

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said those injured had all suffered stab wounds in the ‘ferocious attack’.

She added: ‘We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.

‘As a mum and a nana, I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through at this moment in time.

‘I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to them.’