King Charles and Queen Camilla have said they are “profoundly shocked” in a statement they released following a knife attack in Southport.
Where two children have died and six are critical condition.
A knifeman entered a Taylor Swift themed dance class and launched an attack at around 11.50am today, Monday, July 29.
As well as the two children who died, nine children were injured, two adults are also in a critical condition, who bravely tried to protect the children.
The King described the stabbings as “utterly horrific” and sent his “most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies” to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The statement said: “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific indident in Southport today.
“We send our heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loves ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”
Shortly after the Buckingham Palace statement, the Prince and Princess of Wales also released a statement via Kensington Palace.
It read: “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 responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”
Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old boy, from the village of Banks, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. It’s unknown what the motive of the attack is currently, but officers do not believe the attack was terror related.
Earlier this afternoon Alder Hey Children’s Hospital declared a major incident following the shocking attack, with its A&E department describing itself as “currently extremely busy” this afternoon.
Witnesses described hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the scene.
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Source: USA Today