LONDON: Two children have died following a knife attack in northwest England, the police said on Monday, adding they had arrested a 17-year-old male on the suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Nine other children were injured, with six of them in critical condition. Two adults were also critically injured in the incident.
The Merseyside Police said armed police had arrested the suspect and seized a knife after being called to reports of a stabbing at an address in Southport, north of Liverpool.
The police said motivation for the incident was unclear, but it was not being treated as a terrorism-related event, and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.
“Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport. My thoughts are with all those affected,” PM Keir Starmer said on X.
“I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops,” he added.