Two children have died and nine have been injured, six of whom are in a critical condition, following today's stabbings in Southport, police have said.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed the deaths, as well as that two adults were also critically injured in the attacks.

Kennedy said the adults who were injured were thought to be "bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked" at a Taylor Swift event at a dance school.

A teenager remains in police custody following the "horror movie" stabbings - but the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Earlier in the day, eight people with stab injuries received treatment at the scene and were taken to hospitals including Alder Hey Children's Hospital, according to North West Ambulance Service.

Reacting to the attack, the Prime Minister said the events today were "just truly awful", and that the whole country was "deeply shocked at what they've seen and heard".

Sir Keir Starmer said: "I know I speak for the whole country when I say our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, their friends and the wider community.

"It's almost impossible to imagine the grief and the trauma that they're going through."

The PM also thanked emergency services for their response to the "unthinkable" circumstances.