Two children have died following a major incident in Southport, Merseyside Police have confirmed this evening.
A major incident was declared in Southport, after several people, including children, were stabbed in an attack in the seaside town.
Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service both responded to the incident this morning.
Police confirmed that a 17-year-old man was attested following the incident.
A statement shared by Merseyside Police said:
We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident.
At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.
We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Any updates will be provided to the public when available.
Earlier updates below.
A short statement shared by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool said:
We can confirm that the Trust has declared a major incident.
Our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy and we would also ask parents to only bring their children to the Department if it is urgent.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said:
We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July.
At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.
There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.
Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.
Follow us for further updates.
From North West Ambulance Service:
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.
We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene.
So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.
