Taylor Swift Voices Shock After Stabbings at Swift-Themed Dance Class in U.K.: “These Were Just Kids”

Taylor Swift has issued a statement following the mass stabbing at a children’s Swift-themed dance class in the U.K. on Monday, writing to her fans: “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

Three girls, aged six, seven, and nine, have died and a 17-year-old has been arrested by Merseyside police following what cops described as a “ferocious” attack on the dance and yoga workshop in Southport, north England. Five other children have been left in critical condition and two adults were also injured.

Pressure on Swift to comment on the stabbings was mounting. Now, the pop superstar has. “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock,” she wrote on her Instagram story on Tuesday. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.”

She continued: “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

Overwhelming grief and shock continue to pour out across Britain as police work to uncover a motive for the suspect’s actions. The group of children was made up of 6-11-year-olds. Witnesses have described to local media the sight of mothers screaming for help and young kids covered in blood on the residential street.

Flowers, toys, and notes have begun to pile up on a road close to where the attack took place. Swift is currently in Europe on her smash hit Eras Tour and will return to London in August for five more nights.

Fans of Swift have kickstarted a fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where many of the injured children were rushed to, and to help raise money for the families affected. The “Swifties for Southport” campaign hit £100,000 ($128,000) in less than 24 hours.