Brave Southport instructor fighting for life after protecting kids in Taylor Swift dance class
Leanne Lucas and Heidi Barlow are believed to have saved more than a dozen children in the dance class of 25 that was targeted by a knifeman in Southport on Monday morning
The instructor who ran the Taylor Swift themed class in Southport that was attacked by a knifeman on Monday is fighting for her life after being injured as she tried to protect the children, it’s been revealed.
Tributes have started pouring in for brave Leanne Lucas, 35, the manager of Enlighten with Leanne, a yoga studio in the seaside town that was targeted in a horror incident yesterday. Ms Lucas and her co-organiser Heidi Barlow are believed to have saved 16 children attending the class of 25 youngsters aged between six and 11.
Three children have died, and nine people were taken to hospital, where six are in critical condition. One tribute to Leanne posted on Facebook from someone who said they attended a training course with Leanne said she was a "beautiful young creative" who was "passionate about helping children".
The tribute read: "I’m absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne. Leanne came on my training course in December. A beautiful young creative girl who was so passionate about helping children. I just can’t believe it. Please pray."
Ms Lucas was rushed to hospital after she "bravely tried to protect" the children who were targeted by the attacker. The qualified primary school teacher had reportedly planned the two-hour Taylor Swift session to coincide with the school holidays, which she taught alongside Heidi Barlow. Ms Barlow was also injured in the attack but not as seriously as Ms Lucas, according to reports.
She suffered stab injuries after the knifeman entered the building on Hart Street through a door that was propped open due to the heat. Others have also posted tributes to the 35-year-old following the initial post on Facebook, with the attack having massively affected the Southport community.
One commenter wrote: "Sending prayers and strength that this beautiful lady makes it through. So sad what has happened." Another poster paid tribute to the teacher’s bravery in defending her class. "Thank you for your bravery in defending your class. I pray you get to see how proud the whole town is of your actions today."
Police have arrested a 17-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the attack on Monday. While investigators have disclosed few details about the teenager, they have said he was born in Cardiff, and that he travelled to the dance class venue from Banks, Lancashire.
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