By Brian Niemietz
New York Daily News
SOUTHPORT, England — An English children’s hospital is responding to a “major incident” where at least eight people were wounded Monday.
The owner of an auto repair shop who witnessed the incident said the victims appeared to include several “young girls,” according to the BBC. Several mothers were reportedly heard “screaming” during the chaos.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “deeply concerned” about news from Southport and had spoken to Merseyside Police.
“One man has been arrested and a knife seized,” Merseyside Police posted on social media. “There are casualties.”
Authorities added there was no longer a threat to the public and urged the public against speculation while law enforcement investigates.
A “ Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop ” geared toward children under the age of 7 was taking place where the stabbings occurred, according to the BBC.
Newly anointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised updates as more information became available.
“Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport,” he posted on X. “My thoughts are with all those affected.”
More than a dozen ambulances were dispatched to address casualties. The popular Southport Football Club offered its facilities as an emergency response headquarters if needed.
Southport is a coastal city in northwest England bordering the Irish Sea. It’s home to roughly 94,000 people.
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