Breaking: Major Incident Declared Following Multiple Stabbings in Southport

Eight victims treated for stab injuries – ambulance service

A major incident has been declared in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings on Hart Street. Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, have responded en masse to the scene.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has confirmed that paramedics have treated eight patients with stab injuries. These victims have been transported to various hospitals, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.

Children’s hospital declares ‘major incident’

In response to the incident, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has declared a major incident. The hospital’s emergency department is reportedly extremely busy, and parents are being urged to only bring children to A&E if absolutely necessary. All other appointments and services at the hospital are continuing as normal.

A worker at Bridge Cafe on Hart Street said she had been informed that there were children injured but was unable to offer any further details

Jack Mitchell, who works on Hart Street in Southport, told LBC he believed the building where the attack took place was a daycare centre.

One man, who has been helping to direct traffic next to the scene, told the Echo: “I saw a man from the ARV come out the cordon and he was white as a sheet. He just shook his head and I thought he was going to cry.” pic.twitter.com/Usj0rPh6h0

— Ben Roberts-Haslam (@benhaslm) July 29, 2024

“It’s just a few houses up the road, I think it is a daycare but it’s just on a residential street,” he said.

Here’s what we know so far

It’s a fast-moving situation and we are waiting for further details to be confirmed. Here’s what we know so far:

• Multiple victims were stabbed on Hart Street, Southport, at around 11:50 BST
• A man has been arrested and there is no wider threat to the public, police say
• The North West Ambulance Service says paramedics treated at least eight victims with stab injuries
• A major incident has been declared at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – although details about the victims have not been confirmed
• Some of those stabbed were also transported to Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital

Merseyside Police have stated that a man has been detained and a knife seized. They have assured the public that there is no wider risk to the community. Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell confirmed the arrest, stating, “An arrest has been made and there is no wider risk to the public.”

The full details of the incident are still emerging. Eyewitnesses report significant police presence in the area, with one local business owner describing “at least 20 police vehicles” at the scene. An air ambulance was also observed landing near Scarisbrick New Road.

(1/3) North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11:48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings. pic.twitter.com/Fc385oqrhx

— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) July 29, 2024

Authorities have not yet released information about the ages or identities of the victims. The location of the incident has not been officially confirmed, though there has been speculation about its precise nature.

‘Deeply concerned’

Home Secrtary Yvette Cooper said she was “deeply concerned” about the “very serious incident” in Southport.

“All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected.

“I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding.”

Merseyside’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: “Like everyone, I am deeply shocked and concerned about the major incident in Southport this morning.

“An arrest has been made and there is no wider risk to the public.

“I would urge people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate about this incident.

As this is an ongoing situation, authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and to only contact emergency services if absolutely necessary. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident. Support services will be made available to the community as needed.