BBC News - UK

Latest News from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales

Breaking News: Three Children Killed in Southport

Less than two hours after mourners gathered in Southport, England, on Tuesday evening to honor three children killed in a brutal attack, police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with their deaths.

The children, two girls aged 11 and 13, and a nine-year-old boy, were found dead in a house on Gordon Road in Southport at around 10.30am on Sunday.

A murder investigation was launched and a post-mortem examination confirmed that the children had died as a result of a stab attack.

The suspect was arrested at a hospital in Liverpool, where he is being treated for injuries sustained during the attack.

Det Supt Tim Jacques, from Merseyside Police, said: "This is a truly horrific incident and our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this difficult time."

"We are working hard to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 8134 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.