29 July 2024 , 14:38
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A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said officers have arrested one man and recovered a knife from the scene after the service was called to a "major incident" in Southport
Locals in Southport received terrifying WhatsApp messages about a man "running around and stabbing people" as the "major incident" unfolded.
Police were called to a house in Hart Street, Southport just before midday following reports of a number of casualties, with paramedics responding to reports of "multiple stabbings". At least eight people were treated and rushed to hospital, reportedly including children.
The Liverpool ECHO reported that the incident took place during a dance class, and that someone at the scene said officers had rushed three people to hospital in the back of patrol cars. One woman living near the street told the ECHO she started to realise something series was happening when she heard sirens. Messages sent to WhatsApp groups later reported a man "was running around and stabbing people".
She said: "It was about 20 past 12 I think and we heard loads of sirens and then there was a helicopter circling above. Then the messages started to go around the local WhatsApp groups, saying ’lock your windows, lock your doors’, we were told a man was running around stabbing people."
"We are all absolutely terrified, panicking and sick with worry - everyone is trying to reach anyone they know in the area. I don’t know how this can happen on a Monday lunchtime."
( Image: Liverpool Echo)
Colin Parry, a local business owner claiming to be one of the people who first called the police said the incident was "like a scene in a horror movie". The owner of Masters Vehicle Body Repairs on Hart Street, said he believed six or seven “young girls” had been stabbed.
He told the PA news agency: “The mothers are coming here now and screaming. It is like a scene from a horror movie. Police have got him. It’s like something from America, not like sunny Southport.” ITV’s Paul Brand has since reported that several victims were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, with some taken to Aintree, Southport and Formby hospitals.
Merseyside Police confirmed in a statement this afternoon that emergency services were attending a "major incident" in which officers seized a knife. A spokesperson for the service said they detained a male.
The full statement reads: "We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July. 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."