2 children dead 11 injured in stabbing attack in UK

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in the stabbing in Southport, a seaside town near Liverpool, Merseyside Police said. The motive was not clear, but police said detectives were not treating the attack as terror-related.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, police said.

The incident isn't being treated as terror-related and no other suspects are being sought, police said. A motive isn't clear, police added.

Officers responded just before noon local time to reports of a stabbing at a property on Hart Street in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles north of Liverpool, according to Merseyside police.

Officers who arrived at the scene were shocked at the "ferocious" attack, police said.

"Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport," U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on social media. "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."

King Charles said in a statement, "My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today. We send our 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."

Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, said in a statement, "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack."