Eight people, including children, were being treated for injuries following a knife attack on Hart Street, Southport, on Monday.
The UK police said they have detained the man responsible for the attack and a knife was seized from him. Also, the victims have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.
“We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance, and Merit Doctors to the scene,” said a spokesman from the North West Ambulance Service.
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport, expressed his concern over the incident.
“I am deeply concerned by the reports coming from Merseyside Police about a major incident on Hart Street in the constituency. 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,” he stated. He urged residents to avoid the area while police and ambulance teams manage the incident.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital confirmed it has declared a major incident. “The trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our emergency department is currently extremely busy. We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent. All other appointments and services are running as normal,” the hospital said in a statement.
Residents and local business owners described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Colin Parry, owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, recounted, “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie.”
A resident reported the community’s heightened anxiety, sharing, “We are all absolutely terrified, panicking, and sick with worry. Everyone is trying to reach anyone they know in the area.”
NWAS confirmed the air ambulance landed at Meols Park, and numerous police vehicles were observed at the scene. A staff member from Yates Motor Engineers described hearing helicopters overhead and witnessing significant police presence.
A statement from Merseyside Police has also confirmed the timeline of events: “At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing. 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. Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”
