LONDON. A violent stabbing spree in the northern English town of Southport on Monday has left at least eight people injured, with some victims being transferred to a children’s hospital. Emergency services were alerted to the “major incident” around 11:50 a.m. local time (6:50 a.m. ET).
According to Merseyside Police, the attack prompted an immediate response, and armed officers have detained a suspect and confiscated a knife. “There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible. Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station,” the police stated. “Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”
Local business owner Colin Parry, who was among the first to contact authorities, described the scene as akin to a “horror movie.” Parry reported that several young girls were among the victims. “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie,” Parry said. “Police have got him. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.”
In response to the crisis, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust in Liverpool, approximately 20 miles from Southport, declared a “major incident” and warned that its Emergency Department is “currently extremely busy.” The hospital urged parents to bring their children only if the situation is urgent. “The Trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident,” the hospital said in a statement.
Southport’s Member of Parliament, Patrick Hurley, expressed his deep concern over the incident. “I am hoping for the best possible outcomes for the casualties affected. My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones, and to the entire community,” Hurley posted on X.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
