Taylor Swift's fanbase has come together in a show of solidarity for the victims of the tragic Southport stabbing incident.
In an outpouring of support, two children have tragically lost their lives and six others are battling for survival after an alleged knife assault during a Taylor Swift-themed kids' party. The US pop sensation's fans are now banding together to raise funds for funeral costs following the devastating event.
Over £17,000 has already been collected for Alder Hey Children's Hospital, with plans to also gift friendship bracelets to those undergoing treatment. The Taylor Swift UK and EU Facebook group administrators, Cristina and Holly, are spearheading the fundraising efforts.
The group admins, Cristina and Holly, shared their mission: "We are working with Alder Hey Children's Hospital to help raise money for the families affected by the tragedy in Southport," and added, "And raising funeral funds for the two young swifties who have tragically passed."
Their heartfelt message on the JustGiving page reads: "Every donation through this link goes directly to the verified charity below, which will in turn help make a difference to those impacted in a time of great sadness. Forever and always, thank you.", reports the Mirror.
The campaign has seen an incredible response, with donations from over 1,000 individuals pushing the total to more than £17,200 for the hospital. Christina Jones, one of the organisers, expressed in the actual Facebook group: "Following the news of the children attacked at the Taylor Swift event in Stockport today, we will be working together to send gifts to the children in the hospital."
"If you run a swiftie business and can donate or sell anything very cheap to us to include in our gift parcels please contact me asap. We are also taking donation donations via paypal which I'll link in the comments. Myself, Molly and Holly from the admin team will be leading the charge. Thank you," the update continued, pointing people in the direction of support.
Police said the "major incident" unfolded at a nursery in Southport, Merseyside at about 11.50am on Monday. It was later confirmed that nine children were injured, with six of them in critical condition, as well as two adults.
A 17 year old male from the Banks area has been arrested, and the force said the incident was not being treated as terror-related. Police officers were seen at the scene and at a property in Banks, which was cordoned off.
Police said the attacker walked into the Hart Space in Southport with a knife in his hand while a Taylor Swift-themed dance party was taking place. In a press conference tonight, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside."
Police were summoned to the scene at 11.47am following reports of a stabbing incident. Kennedy stated: "When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries."
