Hero teachers locked kids in toilet to save them from Southport killer as one fighting for her life after knife horror
TWO hero teachers locked kids in a toilet to save them from a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event – as one fights for their life.
Leanne Lucas and colleague Heidi, both 35, bravely protected dozens of kids after a knifeman attacked their summer camp in Southport.
Leanne is understood to be one of two female adults fighting for their life after “bravely trying to protect” kids at the Hart Space Studios.
Her colleague Heidi escaped uninjured after heroically protecting a child in the class by dragging her into a toilet.
A man said: “She was in the toilet, shut the door and locked it with one of the kids. The other got some kids to the fire exit.”
Two children were stabbed to death in the horror attack shortly before midday on Monday, with a further six kids rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, said those injured had all suffered stab wounds in the “ferocious attack”.
She added: “We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked.
Leanne, a yoga instructor who’s also a qualified primary school teacher, is the owner and founder of Enlighten – the company which organised the Taylor Swift-themed yoga dance and dance workshop.
Posting a photo of Leanne on Facebook, Sunshine Yoga wrote: “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.
“I just can’t believe it. Please pray.”
According to Leanne’s Facebook page, she had only recently returned to the UK after a holiday in Italy that included a trip to Venice and the Dolomite Mountains.
Founder of Little Sunshine Yoga, Katie Scott, said Leanne had been excited to be teaching a class at that morning.
Ms Scott said: “She was telling me she was looking forward to things taking off for her, she loves working with children and had come to one of my training sessions in December.
“She was excited about teaching at the centre that morning. She’s a really gentle and kind soul, I am heartbroken to learn she is in hospital and am praying she recovers.
“Her parents will be beside themselves. She is one of the adults who has been stabbed.”
A 17-year-old boy from Banks, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the force said.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody accused of murder and attempted murder.
A staff member at the Hart Space, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she heard the suspect was wearing a “black hood” when he reportedly stabbed multiple children.
Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.
They said: “There were probably 25 children there because that’s the max we have there and they had reached the max.
“I don’t even know if the teachers are okay, they posted the other day that they were full for this Taylor Swift holiday club this morning.”
At the scene, meanwhile, flowers and teddies have been left by the police cordon.
One message in a “Thinking Of You” card said “thoughts and prayers” are with those affected and was signed: “Love – Southport.”
Another added: “Fly high with angels little ones.”
Merseyside Police statement in full
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It is with great sadness that today I am here to advise that two young children have died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack this morning.
“Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition, all those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack.
“Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.
“A 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives
“My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am at an address in Southport.
“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.
“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.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.
“As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help our investigation or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Anyone who has been affected by this incident, can contact our Victim Care Merseyside service for help and support.
“Our hub of local, trained staff is here to provide free, emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
“You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at any time at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”