PRINCESS Kate and Prince William have spoken out after a horror knife attack in Southport left two children dead.
Six other youngsters are in critical condition after the mass stabbing at the Taylor Swift-themed event in Merseyside.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a heartfelt message on their Instagram account after the horror incident.
Their post read: “As parents we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.
“We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.
“Thank you also to the emergency responders who despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”
Police were called to reports of a knife attack at an address in Southport at 11:47am this morning.
Officers found multiple people had been subjected to a “ferocious attack” and had suffered serious injuries.
Three other youngsters were injured in scenes described as a “horror film” in Southport.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire, born in Cardiff in Wales, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Kennedy said: “It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside.”
Chief Constable Kennedy added: “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”
The chief constable said the suspect’s motive is unclear at this early stage but the investigation is not being treated as terror-related.
Eyewitnesses described seeing children running into the street covered in blood, with one resident comparing the scene to “something in a horror movie”.
The King and Queen are among those who have sent their “deepest sympathies” to the families of those affected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a statement on the incident.
He says the whole country is “deeply shocked” by the attack.
“I know I speak for everybody in the whole country in saying our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and the wider community,” he adds.
“It’s almost impossible to imagine the grief that they’re going through and the trauma that they are going through.”
He also takes a moment to thank the emergency services who responded to the “most difficult of circumstances”.
Liverpool FC and Everton FC also sent their support to those impacted by the attack.
The two football clubs posted a joint statement on X, saying: “Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs come together to send our love and support to all those affected by today’s tragic events in Southport.
“You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
