At least two children have been killed while another nine and two adults suffered various injuries following a knife attack at a children’s dance class in the United Kingdom town of Southport in the northern city of Liverpool on Monday.

According to police, the incident took place before noon as they responded to a call at a property on Hart Street in Southport where children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance school after receiving reports of a stabbing, the BBC reported.

During a press briefing on Monday evening, Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of the Merseyside Police, confirmed the two deceased children being two girls while several others were injured. 

The BBC reported that a number of the injured were transported to Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, according to a statement from the North West Ambulance Service,  with Ms Kennedy confirming six children and two adults are in critical conditions. 

“We believe that the adults injured were bravely trying to protect the children,” Ms Kennedy added.

The Merseyside Police said an unnamed 17-year-old male from Banks has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection to the stabbing incident and being questioned about the incident. 

“We can confirm that a 17-year-old male from Banks, who was arrested in connection to the stabbing in Southport this morning, Monday 29 July, remains in police custody and will be questioned about the incident,” the statement said.

“At this early stage, enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for this tragic incident and we would urge people not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.

“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.”