Taylor Swift makes statement after three children die

Taylor Swift speaks out after tragedy struck at a child-friendly event she inspired in the UK.

On Tuesday, July 30, the 34-year-old pop superstar shared a message on her Instagram stories after three children were killed in a stabbing at a Swift dance and yoga class in Southport, England the previous day.

Merseyside Police confirmed that a third child – a 9-year-old girl – died shortly after Swift’s statement. The girl died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The press release, obtained by PEOPLE, also confirmed that the two children who died on Monday, July 29, were 6 and 7 years old.

Swift wrote: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is still running through my mind and I am in complete shock… The loss of life and innocence and the horrific trauma inflicted on all who were there, the families and the first responders.”

“They were just little kids in dance class,” she added. “I don’t know how I can ever express my sympathy to these families.”

In a press conference on Monday, Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy confirmed the deaths of two children. According to a press release on Tuesday, eight other children were injured and five are in a critical condition. Two adults injured in the attack are also in a critical condition.

Police confirmed that a 17-year-old from Cardiff had been arrested in connection with the stabbing. Kennedy told the press conference that he had been taken into custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

As previously reported, according to a statement from Merseyside Police, authorities responded to a property on the city’s Hart Street at around 11:50am local time before “arresting a man and seizing a knife”.

“At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to determine the motive for this tragic incident and we ask people not to speculate while the investigation continues,” the Merseyside Police statement said. “We can also confirm that the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

The incident reportedly occurred near a Swift-themed yoga and dance class in the city’s Hart Place. The Telegraph reported that the event was advertised for children between the ages of 6 and 11.

“We believe the injured adults were bravely trying to protect the children who were attacked,” Kennedy said.

“Horrible and deeply shocking news comes from Southport,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X on Monday. “My thoughts are with everyone affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their quick response. I will be kept updated as the situation develops.”