'Major incident' declared in North West England after multiple people stabbed

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Police in the UK on Monday declared a "major incident" in Southport, a seaside town in North West England, after a stabbing incident on Hart Street resulted in multiple casualties.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they responded to an emergency call in the afternoon porting a stabbing at a residential property.

Upon arrival, officers discovered several individuals injured. The exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed.

In a swift response, armed police apprehended a male suspect and seized a knife believed to be used in the incident.

The suspect has been taken into custody and is currently being held at a local police station.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area around Hart Street as emergency services continue to manage the situation.

In a statement, Merseyside Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

"We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday 29 July," the statement said.

"At around 11:50 AM, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing. There are a number of reported casualties, and more details will be confirmed when possible. Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station. Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public," it added.