Kate Middleton's emotional message to Southport families as she says 'cannot imagine'

The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent their condolences to the families of those affected by the devastating attack in Southport, in which two children lost their lives

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have delivered a heartfelt message to those affected by the tragic incident in Southport that cost two young lives.

Armed police, fire crews and a swarm of ambulances were called to a children's holiday club in Southport following reports of an incident at 11.50am on Monday. The horrifying event resulted in two fatalities among the children, while six others were critically injured.

Another three youngsters suffered injuries, while two adults are also in critical condition.

Sharing their sentiments via their official social media account, William and Kate expressed: "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack."

In recognition of the emergency services' response, the Royal couple further added: "Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.", reports the Daily Star.

Their earnest messages echo the words of King Charles III, who previously expressed his shock at the incidents via the Royal Family's social platforms: "We have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today", as documented by the Mirror.

His Majesty expressed touching sentiments: "We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack."

Sharing his distress over the tragic event in Southport, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stated: "The whole country is deeply shocked," echoing the feelings of a mourning nation.

In response to the dreadful incident on Hart Street, Southport, Merseyside, a 17 year old boy from Banks, originally from Cardiff, is currently being detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, as per police reports. The authorities are not treating the incident as terror-related, but state that the motive "remains unclear."

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy disclosed that it's believed the children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school "when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside."

She further added: "When [officers] 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.."

"As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old grand-daughter, 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."

Chief Constable Kennedy also emphasised that the injured adults were "bravely" attempting to shield the children from harm. "We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," she said.