Carlisle Cathedral has offered its ‘heartfelt prayers’ to the people of Southport after yesterday’s ‘horrific’ attack.

Three children, aged 6,7 and 9, have now died after the attack at a Taylor Swift dance class in the Merseyside town.

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with the incident, but police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.

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Five children and two adults remain in critical conditions in hospitals across Liverpool and Manchester.

In a social media post, Carlisle Cathedral said: “Our heartfelt prayers go out to all who suffered in the horrific knife attack in Southport yesterday, for family and friends, for all who are caring, and to the people of Southport in their bewilderment, pain and grief.”