TWO children have died after a knife attack in Southport this morning, Monday, police have tragically confirmed.

Nine other children have been injured, with six of the nine being in a critical condition. All those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack.

Two adults are also in a critical condition, Merseyside Police has confirmed in a heartbreaking update.

Chief constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when a 17-year-old with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack.

A 17-year-old boy, of the nearby village of Banks, but originally from Cardiff, remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

A ‘major incident’ was declared in Southport this morning at a property in Hart Street at about 11.50am.

Patients with stab injuries were rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital.

Witnesses described hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the scene.

Alder Hey declared a major incident and asked parents not to bring their children to the emergency department unless it was urgent.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the incident was “horrendous and deeply shocking”, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “deeply concerned”.