Southport FC have confirmed the cancellation of their pre-season friendly against Morecambe on Tuesday in the wake of the horrific incident in the area that saw two children killed and 11 people hurt in a deadly knife rampage.

Two children died and nine others were injured – six critically – after a horror attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on Monday morning.

Armed police and paramedics swooped on Southport just before midday after a knifeman entered the local dance school and launched a ‘ferocious attack’ that left mothers arriving to pick up their kids screaming in horror.

As well as the two fatalities, 11 others, including nine more children, were stabbed at the sold-out dance, yoga and bracelet making workshop, which was just minutes from finishing.

Six children are now fighting for their lives in hospital, as are two adults, who police said ‘bravely tried to protect them’ from the attack at the Hart Space Studios on Hart Street.

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Southport FC have confirmed the cancellation of their pre-season friendly against Morecambe on Tuesday

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Police in Southport, Merseyside, where a 17-year-old has been arrested and a knife has been seized after a horrific incident in the area that saw two children killed and 11 people hurt

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Southport FC confirmed the cancellation of Tuesday’s fixture in a social media post on X

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Forensic officers on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside, following the harrowing incident

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The horrifying nature of the attack was laid bare in a press conference on Monday evening

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The incident took place towards the end of a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at Hart Space Studios

The town’s National League side were due to play League Two outfit Morecambe at the local stadium on Tuesday evening, but have now decided to cancel the fixture out of respect.

Instead they will be opening the clubhouse lounge to people needing support and will have specialist staff present to help those affected by the harrowing incident in Southport.

Posting on X, the club said: ‘Given the tragic events of today and following extensive engagement with relevant local stakeholders, we have taken the decision to cancel tomorrow night’s pre-season friendly with Morecambe FC out of respect to those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to those who will be deeply impacted by this horrible tragedy.

‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Southport FC are with those affected and we extend our deepest condolences to all those impacted.

‘The club would like to reiterate that tomorrow the club lounge will be open from 10am-3pm for those that wish to gather, share their thoughts and find support during this difficult time.

‘Specialist support staff will be present to offer assistance and comfort to those who need it. For those who have purchased tickets we will provide information on refunds in the coming days.’

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy, from the nearby village of Banks in Lancashire, remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Merseyside Police confirmed the teenager was originally from Cardiff but was living in Banks, while it is believed he arrived in a taxi that coincided with parents picking up their children from the workshop.

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Emergency crews and forensic teams descended on the scene after 13 people were stabbed

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Police screens up at the place of the tragic stabbing incident in Hart Street in Southport

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The knife rampage left two children dead, police revealed in an update on Monday

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The attack happened at at ‘Taylor Swift themed workshop’ on Hart Street in Southport. Police also later set up a cordon at a housing estate on Old School Close, around 15 minutes away from the scene

Police said they were called to reports of a stabbing in Southport at 11.47am with emergency services rushing to the scene and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital later declaring a ‘major incident’.

Detectives are still trying to establish the motive behind the attack with Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stating in a conference: ‘My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47 this morning at an address in Southport.

‘When they arrived, they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.

‘It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance hall when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside.

‘We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.’

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King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were ‘profoundly shocked’ by the ‘utterly horrific incident’

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Flowers and a stuffed animal are seen behind the police cordon near the scene of the stabbing

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Forensic officers are pictured at the scene as emergency crews battled to save children

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Armed police officers detained a man and seized a knife after the attack that left multiple people wounded in Southport, Merseyside

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The community has been rocked by the rampage which left two children dead and nine others injured

Following the press conference, King Charles released a statement saying: ‘My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.

‘We send out most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.’

Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen was also amongst those to publish his thoughts, stating: ‘I just can’t find the words. I’m literally sickened by the world we live in. By the country we live in.

‘Every F****** day something happens that makes my stomach churn. And today is a new low. I’m praying for everyone involved in the shocking events in #Southport.’