Southport stabbing latest: Children among eight injured in knife attack

Great North Air Ambulance, which is based in Cumbria and the north east, said it responded to the stabbings in Southport on Monday.

In a statement, the charity said: “Earlier today, we responded to reports of a major incident in #Southport. Our doctor-led crew worked alongside @nwairambulance, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and other emergency services.

“We delivered advanced emergency care to one patient before accompanying them to hospital by road.”

A large police cordon has been put up around the building on Hart Road, police officers guarding either end.

Officers and vehicles can be seen from a distance inside the cordon, including scenes-of-crime officers in white boiler suits.

A large and growing media presence with reporters, photographers and TV crews have assembled at the police tape.

Dozens of police cars, vans, fire engines and ambulances are also assembled a short distance away at a local school.

Eye-witness Bare Varathan, 35, who owns a corner shop on Hart Street, said he was called by a staff member who told him, “Boss, get to the shop!”

He said: “I saw seven to ten kids outside the nursery. They were injured, bleeding. They were in the road, running from the nursery.

“They had been stabbed, here, here, here, everywhere. (Mr Varathan indicated the neck, back and chest area).

“They were all aged about ten. One of them was really seriously injured.

“I hope they will be OK. Only two police jeeps and ambulances arrived, then armed police came and took him out of the nursery.

“Somebody told me he had arrived in a taxi and had a knife.”

Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he called police to an address in Hart Street behind which is The Hart Space studios.

One of the events listed at The Hart Space at the time of the stabbings was a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children in school years two to six, aged between six and 11.

A Southport business owner has said locals could tell “something major had happened” on Hart Street due to the number of sirens.

Leigh Walton, who owns Yates Motor Engineers, told Sky News he could see the aftermath of the stabbings from his garage.

He said: “The first thing I knew was all the sirens going up and down the street, I could hear something major had happened.

“Then the police helicopters and multiple air ambulances, you could just tell it was something big, something major.”

Asked if there is concern among locals, Mr Walton added: “Yeah, there is.

“When the news reports came in that the male had been caught, the police reassured everyone there was no further risk to the public, that was a great relief.”

In a post on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the incident in Southport was “horrendous and deeply shocking”.

He said: “Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected.

“I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.

“I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has thanked the emergency services for their “swift and courageous response” to the “awful incident” in Southport after reports of multiple stabbings.

She told the Commons: “Before I respond to the first question, I want to simply say that I know the whole House will be concerned at the extremely serious incident that has taken place in Southport.

“All of our thoughts will be with the family and loved ones of those who are affected.

“I have been in contact with the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and the Merseyside Mayor to convey my support to the police and thanks to the police and emergency services for their swift and courageous response.

“The response to this awful incident is currently unfolding and the House and the public will be updated in due course.”

A local parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter was “traumatised” by the attack.

He said: “My daughter was in it and she was traumatised.

“She ran away and she’s safe.”