British emergency services have arrested a man after at least eight individuals were stabbed in Southport, northwestern England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the incident as “deeply shocking.”

On Monday, police reported that armed officers detained a man and seized a knife after being called to a property in Southport, near Liverpool, at 11:50 local time (10:50 GMT). “There are multiple reported victims,” the police statement added.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that they have “treated eight patients with stab wounds who have been transported to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital, and Southport and Formby Hospital.” The hospital declared a major incident and announced that their emergency department was extremely busy. They also requested that parents only bring their children if it was absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, police have restricted access to Southport and cordoned off the area where the incident occurred. Colin Parry, a local business owner and one of those who called the police, told the Press Association that he believed several “young girls” had been stabbed. “Mothers are coming here now and screaming. It’s like something out of a horror film,” said Parry.

Prime Minister Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and the mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, have all expressed their concern and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. Starmer described the incident as “horrific and deeply shocking.” “My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops,” he added on the social media platform X.

Knife crime has become increasingly common in England and Wales in recent years. According to the Home Office, there were 14,577 recorded offenses in the 12 months leading up to December 2023. Ahead of the general elections in July, Starmer pledged to address knife crime in the UK, stating that it would be “an absolute priority.” In the King’s speech in July, the Starmer government introduced new legislation aimed at reducing the sale of ninja and samurai swords as an effort to combat knife crime.