A THIRD girl has died from her injuries in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Merseyside Police said the girl died in the early hours of this morning following the deaths of two other girls, aged six and seven, in the attack on Monday.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured, police said.
The fully booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.
Taylor Swift said she is “completely in shock” after the “horror” of the knife attack.
What we know so far…
A police statement said: “Sadly we can confirm that a third child has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport yesterday morning, Monday July 29.
“The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July.
“We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years.
“Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.
“Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.
“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.
“Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks and he remains in police custody.”
Teachers Leanne Lucas and colleague Heidi, both 35, bravely protected dozens of kids during the incident at their summer camp.
Leanne is understood to be fighting for her life in hospital after “bravely trying to protect” kids at the Hart Space Studios.
Her colleague Heidi escaped uninjured after heroically locking some of the children inside a toilet to keep them safe.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Hayes, 63, ran into the dance studio and tried to fend off the attacker moments after hearing screams from his nearby office.
He is understood to have been stabbed in the leg after placing himself between the knifeman and children.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said those injured had all suffered stab wounds in the “ferocious attack”.
She added: “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
The suspect, from Banks, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the force said.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody accused of murder and attempted murder.
It comes after a masked man has been pictured outside a house that was later raided by police.
A video obtained by ITV shows an individual wearing a green hoodie and face mask pacing back and forth outside the front door.
The doorbell footage then shows several police cars and a group of officers, including some who are armed, appearing at the same house.
A staff member at the Hart Space, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she heard the suspect was wearing a “black hood” when he reportedly stabbed multiple children.
Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.
They said: “There were probably 25 children there because that’s the max we have there and they had reached the max.
“I don’t even know if the teachers are okay, they posted the other day that they were full for this Taylor Swift holiday club this morning.”
At the scene, meanwhile, flowers and teddies have been left by the police cordon.
One message in a “Thinking Of You” card said “thoughts and prayers” are with those affected and was signed: “Love – Southport.”
Another added: “Fly high with angels little ones.”
Merseyside Police declared a major incident as armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service descended on the mass casualty scene.
Monday, July 29
10am
Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop begins at The Hart Space in Hart Street
11.47am
Police called to reports of a stabbing, and a major incident is declared
5.25pm
Police confirm 17-year-old male was arrested – and later clarify he was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder
7.18pm
Police confirm two young children have died
Tuesday, July 30
8.30am
Police confirm suspect continues to be questioned
10.30am
Taylor Swift posts tribute on Instagram
Midday
Police confirm a third girl has died – also say ages of first two deaths were six and seven
