Princess Kate and Prince William issue statement after devastating stabbing at Taylor Swift dance party killed two kids

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, have issued a joint statement following the harrowing knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop which has taken two lives.

Yesterday (29 July) in Southport, near Liverpool, children gathered at a fully booked school holiday club which played Taylor Swift hits and included bracelet making.

It was a school holiday club aimed at children aged six to 11.

It ended in utter horror with an assailant arriving by taxi and going on a terrifying rampage, resulting in the deaths of two children.

Six children and two adults are in critical condition.

The alleged attacker, a 17-year-old who was born in Cardiff and lived near Southport, has been arrested and is in custody.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell confirmed they are not looking for any other suspects.

Two children died in the horrific attack (PA)

Prince William and Kate Middleton have made a statement in response to the horrifying ordeal.

They said on social media: "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.

“Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most."

They signed off with their initials: "W & C."

Prince William and Princess Kate have released a statement (Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales)

King Charles has also spoken out about the harrowing attack.

He stated: "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.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her thoughts on BBC Breakfast. She said: "It is beyond the worse nightmare of any parent to see what unfolded yesterday in Southport.

Six children were left in critical condition (PA)

"Like the rest of the country, my thoughts and prayers are with the families affected and the children who are still in a critical condition.

"Everybody will also be thinking of the emergency services, particularly those in the NHS and at Alder Hey hospital who were responding yesterday to terrible scenes.

"I would like to give thanks to all the emergency services who responded so quickly, including the police."

People from the local community have been paying their respects and leaving bouquets of flowers and words of grief.

One card read: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you."