Taylor Swift has said she is in “complete shock” after a dance and yoga class inspired by the star’s music in Southport killed three children and left seven people in critical condition.

In a statement on Instagram, Swift wrote: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport continues to wash over me. I am simply in complete shock… The loss of life and innocence and the horrific trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and the first responders.”

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“They were just little kids at the dance class. I don’t know how to express my sympathy to these families.”

Several online fundraisers have been set up for the victims, including one by Taylor Swift fans “for our little Southport Swifties and families”, while another raised almost £80,000 in the hope of raising “money for the families affected by the tragedy” and “funeral funds” for the children who died.

The attack occurred on Monday morning when a teenager armed with a knife entered the classroom and attacked the children, aged between six and eleven. Three children, aged between nine, seven and six, died and eight others were injured, five of them seriously. Two adults were also seriously injured.

Two adults, believed to be the teachers leading the class, were also taken to hospital in critical condition. Police said they were “injured while trying to protect the children.”

A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder remains in police custody.

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