Taylor Swift 'completely in shock' over Southport stabbings

Taylor Swift has said she is "completely in shock" after children attending a dance class inspired by her music were attacked in Southport.

Warning: This article contains descriptions some readers may find distressing.

Swift, 34, said in a post on Instagram: "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," she added.

"I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."

Follow latest updates from Southport here

A nine-year-old girl became the third child to die on Tuesday morning following the "ferocious" attack at a Swift-themed dance class in the seaside town on Monday.

Two other girls - aged six and seven - were killed in the attack.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds - five of which are still in a critical condition alongside two adults who were injured while trying to protect youngsters at the holiday club.

Social media posts promoting the event said the class in Hart Street was "open to children in Year 2 to Year 6".

A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.

Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.

Witnesses described the attack as "like a horror movie", and others spoke of hearing "screaming" and seeing bleeding children running from the incident.

Read more:
Witnesses describe stabbings
What we know so far

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Meanwhile, fans of the US pop star have raised more than £100,000 so far in a JustGiving campaign.

Thousands of Swifties have made donations, which the organisers said is to raise funds for the funerals of the children who were killed and for the families of the injured.