A THIRD child has died following the Southport stabbing spree that already claimed the lives of two children yesterday.

A nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hour of this morning, Tuesday, July 30, making her the third children who has died following the incident on Hart Street which has also claimed the lives of a six year old girl and a seven year old girl.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition.

Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.

At around 11.50am yesterday (Monday, July 29) Merseyside Police were called to reports of “multiple stabbings” at a property in Hart Street where a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was taking place.

The fully-booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.

Yesterday, officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Banks in Southport and he remains in police custody.

Merseyside Police have also mentioned that the name that has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the incident in Southport is incorrect and are urging people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.

This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and the police are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help in the investigation can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Victim Care officers will be at the Community Support Centre set up at Southport FC from 10am-6pm today to support those affected.