A THIRD girl has died from her injuries in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, police have said.
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.
GettyForensic officers attend the scene of a multiple stabbing attack in Southport[/caption]
GettyTributes to the victims are left by wellwishers[/caption]
“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.
What we know so far…
Armed police were called to the scene on Hart Street, Southport, at 11.47am on Monday
Three children have died after being stabbed
Nine other children were injured and six are in critical condition
Two adults are also in critical condition – one understood to be teacher Leanne Lucas, 35
A 17-year-old boy, from Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a knife seized
A video shows an individual wearing a green hoodie and face mask pacing back and forth outside
Patients were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital
The attack is understood to have taken place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event
Swift posted a message about the incident on social media
Event organiser Heidi Liddle escaped uninjured after locking kids in a toilet to protect them
Jonathan Hayes, 63, ran into the dance studio and tried to fend off the attacker, and was stabbed in the leg
“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.”
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