Man Arrested After Stabbing Attack in Southport

British emergency services said a man had been arrested after at least eight people were stabbed in Southport, northwest England, with a local children's hospital declaring a major incident and the prime minister calling it "deeply shocking".

North West Ambulance Service said it had treated eight patients with stab injuries who had been taken to three different hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

"An attacker with a knife killed two children and wounded 11 other people, including six youths in critical condition, at a dance class in northern England," police said.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in Southport, near Liverpool in northwest England.

Two adults are also in critical condition.

"We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children," said Chief Constable Serena Kennedy from Merseyside Police, calling the incident a "ferocious attack".

Kennedy said that the attack was not being treated as terror-related, and that the attacker's motivation was unclear.

All of those injured had been stabbed, she added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the media that "the events today are just truly awful, the whole country is deeply shocked". 

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, families, friends and wider community. It is almost impossible to imagine the grief," he said.

Police were called to a property that was hosting a Taylor Swift-themed dance class for young children shortly before midday, Kennedy said.

The suspect apparently walked in from the street and started to attack the children, while adults in the room tried to protect them, Kennedy said.

Armed officers arrived and detained the suspect. A knife was seized. 

King Charles III said that it was a "truly appalling attack".