Girl, 9, is third to die after 'ferocious' knife attack at Taylor Swift dance class

Taylor Swift fans have raised over £10,000 for families affected by the “ferocious attack” attack at a dance class which left two kids dead and six others critically ill.

Several donation pages have sprung up to support the victims in the wake of the horrific tragedy at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop, yesterday (Mon).

It comes after the pop icon told of her “complete shock” about the incident - where nine kids and two adults were also left with stab injuries.

Writing on Instagram today (Tues), she said: “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. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

The attack unfolded just before 12pm yesterday at The Hart Space, a hypnobirthing centre, which was holding a two-hour activity session for kids.

Merseyside Police said of the nine children injured, six of them are in a critical condition - and all those hurt had stab wounds sustained during the attack.

The force added that two adults - named locally as brave teachers Leanne Lucas and Heidi Barlow - were also in a critical condition following the incident.

One of Leanne’s colleagues, who wished to remain anonymous said today: “What she did was unbelievable. I really, really hope she’s ok.”

It’s thought 25 children were in attendance when a knifeman, who was said to be ‘hooded’, carried out the attack.

Officers confirmed that a 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Following the attack, Swift fans have set up several GoFundMe donation pages aimed at raising money for those directly impacted by the tragedy.

One page titled ‘Southport Dance Group Emergency Fund - 29th July 2024’ has so far amassed over £10,000.

A post on the page reads: “On behalf of preschool dance companies in the UK, we have united to raise funds to support those affected by the tragic stabbing incident today in Southport.

“The dance world is a wonderful community of people who gain such joy from dancing and it's impossible to comprehend what has happened at this dance class today.

“All funds raised will go directly to the families affected to help them in whatever way they may need.

“Please share amongst your dance communities and wider networks to help those involved in this tragedy.”

Another GoFundMe page titled 'For our little ‘Southport Swifties & Families’ has raised nearly £2,000.

Its description reads: “Following the utterly heartbreaking & tragic news of the attack on children at the Taylor Swift event in Southport, we are coming together as a community to donate to those affected.”

Las night, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, sent the victims her “heartfelt condolences”.

She said: "My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am at an address Southport.

“When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.

"It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside.

“We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.

"As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.

"Our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.”