Taylor Swift has said she is "completely in shock" after three children were killed and five other youngsters were left in critical condition following a deadly knife attack at a yoga and dance class themed on the singer.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident in Hart Street, Southport in the UK, yesterday.
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.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured, police said.
In a statement released on social media on Tuesday, the pop star said: "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 the first responders.
"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
Read more: Third child dies following UK dance class attack
At the scene, flowers and teddies had been left by the police cordon in Hart Street.
One message in a "Thinking Of You" card said "thoughts and prayers" are with those affected and was signed: "Love – Southport."
Another said: "Fly high with angels little ones."
Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.
Source: Press Association
