UPDATE 2 - 2 children killed, 9 injured in UK stabbing attack

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By Burak Bir and Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Two children were killed and nine others injured in a knife attack in North West England, police said on Monday.

The stabbing attack took place at a property on Hart Street in Southport during a dance class, an official told a news conference.

Merseyside police said six of the nine injured children are in a critical condition, while two adults were also critically injured.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection to the violence, and the incident is not being treated as terror-related, according to the police.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "horrendous and deeply shocking."

"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," he said on X.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on X that she is "deeply concerned at the very serious incident in Southport."

"All my thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those affected. I have spoken to the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner to convey full support to the police & thanks to the emergency services responding," she added.