Taylor Swift issues heartbreaking statement after two young children were killed at dance party inspired by singer

Taylor Swift has spoken out following the tragic deaths of two children who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport yesterday (29 July).

The school holiday club was aimed at children aged six to 11, and was fully booked.

It ended in utter horror with an assailant arriving by taxi and going on a terrifying rampage, resulting in the deaths of two young children, and leaving six further children in hospital, as well as two adults.

A 17-year-old boy from Cardiff, but who lived near Southport, has been arrested and remains in custody.

He is being held being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Police are not treating the incident as terror related but have said the motive remains 'unclear' at this time.

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

(Instagram/@taylorswift)

Taylor Swift wrote on her Instagram Story today: "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, the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, 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."

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, have also spoken out about the unfathomable crime.

They said in a joint 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.

Flowers and condolences have been left by the local community. (PA)

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

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended her grief with listeners.

Police are not seeking any further suspects. (PA)

She said: "It is beyond the worse nightmare of any parent to see what unfolded yesterday in Southport.

"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."