Taylor Swift says she is “completely in shock” after children attending a dance class inspired by her music were attacked in Southport.
Warning: This article contains descriptions some readers may find distressing.
Swift, 34, said in a post on Instagram: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock…
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.
“These were just little kids at a dance class,” she added.
“I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
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Two children were killed and nine others injured – with six of those in a critical condition – in the “ferocious” attack at a Swift-themed dance class.
Social media posts promoting the event said the class was “open to children in Year 2 to Year 6”.
A poster for the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. Pic: @enlighten_kidsyoga_southport/Instagram
Two adults, who tried to protect the children in Monday’s attack, are also in a critical condition.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire, born in Cardiff, Wales, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
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What we know so far
Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.
Witnesses described the attack as “like a horror movie”, and others spoke of hearing “screaming” and seeing bleeding children running from the incident.
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Meanwhile, fans of the US pop star have raised more than £45,000 as of Tuesday morning in a JustGiving campaign for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
More than 3,000 ‘Swifties’ have made donations, which the organisers said is to raise funds for the funerals of the two children who were killed and for the families of the injured.
Content Source: news.sky.com