Taylor Swift ‘at a Complete Loss’ After Southport Stabbing That Left 3 Children Dead at Swift-Themed Event

Taylor Swift is speaking out after a tragedy took place at a kid-friendly event inspired by her in the United Kingdom.

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

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

Swift wrote, “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock… The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”

“These were just little kids at a dance class,” she added. “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

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

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

As previously reported, authorities responded to a property on the town’s Hart Street around 11:50 a.m. local time, per a statement from Merseyside Police, before having “detained a male and seized a knife.”

“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,” the Merseyside Police statement read. “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 took place near a Swift-themed yoga and dance class at the town’s Hart Place. The Telegraph reported that the event was advertised for kids between the ages of 6 and 11.

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

“Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X on Monday. “My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops.”