Man Arrested After Eight Stabbed in Southport

Man Arrested After Eight Stabbed in Southport

British emergency services arrested a man after at least eight people suffered stab injuries in Southport, northwest England, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the incident “deeply shocking”.

Police officials said armed officers detained a male and seized a knife after being called to a property in Southport, near Liverpool, at 11:50am (10:50 GMT). “There are a number of reported casualties,” the police statement added.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it treated eight patients with stab injuries who were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.

The hospital declared a major incident and its emergency department was extremely busy, asking parents only to bring their children in if it was urgent.

Police officials restricted flights to Southport and cordoned off the incident location. Local business owner Colin Parry, who called police, told the Press Association news agency he believed several “young girls” had been stabbed. “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie,” Parry said.

Prime Minister Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram expressed concern and said they are monitoring the situation closely. Starmer called the incident “horrendous and deeply shocking,” thanking the police and emergency services for their swift response.

Knife crime incidents have become increasingly common across England and Wales in recent years. In the 12 months to December 2023, 14,577 offences were recorded. Starmer’s government recently introduced a new crime bill to tackle knife crime, including cracking down on the sale of ninja and samurai swords.