Knife attack in Southport: At least eight injured, including children

A suspected knife attack in Southport, England

At least eight people, including some children, were injured on Monday, July 29, in a suspected knife attack in the town of Southport in northern England. Emergency services announced the incident while the police confirmed the arrest of a man. The incident occurred just before noon local time when the police were called to a property in this seaside town located about twenty kilometers north of Liverpool. Armed officers apprehended a man and confiscated a knife.

Emergency response and casualties

The North West Ambulance Service responded to what they called a “major incident,” treating eight patients with knife wounds who were then taken to various hospitals, including one for children. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes, with one shopkeeper recounting a situation “out of a horror movie” as distraught mothers arrived at the scene. The community expressed shock at the violence, highlighting the unexpected nature of such events in the typically sunny Southport.

Government officials’ reactions

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, reacted swiftly to the incident. Starmer labeled it as “horrible and deeply shocking,” pledging to monitor the situation closely. Cooper commended the police and emergency services for their prompt and courageous actions, offering condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. The incident sparked concerns about safety and community well-being, prompting authorities and residents to reflect on the incident’s impact.