A children's yoga instructor is reportedly one of two adults critically injured after a knife attack in Southport, during which she attempted to protect the children present. Leanne Lucas was an organiser at the Taylor Swift dance event at The Hart Space on Hart Street, where a man entered and began attacking attendees with a knife.
Police were called to the scene at 11.55am on Monday, July 29. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy expressed shock at the "ferocious" nature of the attack upon arrival.
Two children have been confirmed dead following the knife attack, with nine others injured, six critically. Leanne is believed to be one of two adults also in critical condition in hospital.
Chief Constable Kennedy praised the adults for their bravery in trying to shield the children. A 17 year old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
A local yoga Facebook page posted a picture of Leanne, captioned: "I'm absolutely devastated. Please please pray for Leanne. Leanne came on my training course in December. A beautiful young creative girl who was so passionate about helping children.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
The post received hundreds of responses and shares, with many offering their thoughts and prayers. One person commented: "I really hope she makes a full and healthy recovery."
Another person commented: "In my prayers", while another added: "Praying for Leanne, the children and everyone recovering in hospital."
Clare Dickson shared: "Worked with Leanne in my last primary school, such a lovely, funny and caring person. couldn't believe it when i saw this picture. hope you're ok, love and thoughts to all involved, sending prayers, love and thoughts to Leanne xx".
Sara Ashby posted: "Leanne taught my son at Churchtown Primary and he loved her, she was amazing with him and is such a lovely woman. We will be praying for all the victims and sending healing vibes xx".
Peter Chapel expressed: "So sad to hear this news, Leanne gets her printing done at our shop just up the road from where it happened at The Design Package, so sad to hear this news as you couldn't have a more nicer person teaching children, she is so passionate about what she does and such a lovely girl, So brave, like all on here posting i pray she recovers, so sad xxxx Thinking of all involved xxx".
Another local Facebook page also posted: "Leanne is the lady we do puppy yoga with, she's also the brave soul that tried to save so many children today in the Southport attack. Please everyone pray for her this evening as she remains critical in hospital."
A 17 year old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He remained in custody last night.
