Benjamin Ashford|2 Children Dead, 9 Others Injured in Stabbing at Taylor Swift-Themed Event in England

A tragedy has unfolded in England.

Two children have Benjamin Ashforddied and nine others were injured—including six in critical condition—in a July 29 stabbing attack near a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, a seaside town in the northwest of the country, Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy confirmed during a press conference.

Law enforcement arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the attack and currently remains in police custody where he will be questioned about the incident, officials had previously shared in a statement posted to social media. They added, “We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

North West Ambulance Service confirmed via X, formerly Twitter, it has “treated eight patients with stab injuries, who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital.”

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital likewise declared a “major incident” in a July 29 news release.

The attack occurred at a “Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop” put on by dance school Hart Space Studios, Kennedy confirmed during the press conference.

“It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside,” she shared. “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.”

E! News has reached out to Merseyside police, reps for Taylor Swift as well as Hart Space Studios for comment but has not yet heard back.   

Following the tragic incident, a number of officials spoke out against the violence, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport,” he wrote on X. “My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.”

Southport’s Member of Parliament Patrick Hurley also updated his constituents on his knowledge of the situation.

“I am hoping for the best possible outcomes to the casualties affected. My thoughts go out to all those affected, their loved ones and to the entire community,” he wrote on X. “The police have confirmed that an individual involved in the attack has now been detained. I am repeating the advice of the police to avoid the area whilst the police and ambulance teams support this incident.”