2 children dead and 9 hurt in dance workshop stabbing in UK

Two children have been killed and nine injured, six critically, in a "ferocious" knife attack at a children's dance workshop, reports BBC today (July 30).

Two adults are also in a critical condition after being stabbed as they tried to protect children at the Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside Police said.

A 17-year-old boy, from Banks in Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Police said the motivation for the attack was "unclear" but it was not being treated as terror-related.

One witness described the scene as "horrendous" and said they had "never seen anything like it".

The King and the prime minister have led tributes to the victims, offering their "heartfelt condolences" to those affected.

Merseyside Police declared a major incident after receiving emergency calls at 11.47 BST, on what was the first full week of the school summer holidays for many children in the UK.

Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances and the fire service rushed to the dance class, which was being held for children aged six to 10._Agencies.