Police have declared a major incident in Southport after reports of a mass stabbing.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have said several people have been taken to hospital – including some to a children’s hospital.
Here’s what we know so far:
What happened?
Merseyside Police said they were called to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street, Southport, north of Liverpool, at about 11.50am.
How many casualties are there?
At least eight people have been taken to hospital with stab injuries, according to the NWAS.
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It said some of the victims have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, but hasn’t specified how many.
Some victims have also been taken to Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.
The ambulance service has dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources.
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Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said in a statement: “The trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our emergency department is currently extremely busy.
“We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent.”
Arrest and weapon seized
Armed police have detained a man, Merseyside Police said.
A knife has been seized, and the man has been taken to a police station.
Police have urged people to avoid the area while they deal with the incident but insisted “there is no wider threat to the public”.
They added more details would be shared “when possible”.
Eyewitnesses at the scene describe ‘horror movie’
Colin Parry, a local business owner who says he was one of the people who called the police, described the incident as “like a scene from a horror movie”.
He said: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. Police have got him. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.”
A local parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter was “traumatised” by the attack, adding she “ran away and she’s safe”.
What is happening now?
The initial cordon put in place has now been widened and at least 10 police vehicles are at the scene, according to Sky News’ Ashna Hurynag, who described it as “an incredibly active crime scene”.
Home secretary addresses ‘extremely serious’ incident
Yvette Cooper commented on what she called the “extremely serious” incident in the House of Commons this afternoon.
She said: “All of our thoughts will be with the family and loved ones of those who are affected.
“I have been in contact with the Merseyside Police and crime commissioner and the Merseyside mayor to convey my support to the police and our thanks to the police and emergency services for their swift and courageous response.
“The response to this awful incident is currently unfolding, and the House and the public will be updated in due course.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the news emerging from Southport was “horrendous and deeply shocking”.
He thanked police and the emergency services, adding that he was being kept updated as the situation developed and his thoughts were with those affected.
