Knife attack in England: Taylor Swift says she is “completely shocked” on social networks, her fans launch a collection

Des fans de la star américaine au Royaume-Uni ont lancé une collecte sur internet. ANSA – ROSSELLA PAPETTI

Face au drame, Taylor Swift a publié quelques mots en réaction sur ses réseaux sociaux. Ses fans, très réactifs, ont déjà lancé une collecte de fonds pour en venir en aide aux proches des victimes.

American star Taylor Swift said on Tuesday she was “completely shocked” after the stabbing attack in which two children were killed that occurred on Monday in England, during a dance class around her songs.

“I am simply shocked”

“The horror of yesterday's (Monday) attack in Southport continues to overwhelm me and I am simply completely shocked […] These were just little kids in a dance class", the singer wrote on Instagram.“I have absolutely no idea how to express my condolences to these families”, she added.

Taylor Swift's Instagram story expressing her condolences to the victims' families. Instagram screenshot – @taylorswift

Two children were killed, nine others injured – six of whom are in critical condition – and two adults, in the attack that took place during an activity organized for children around the songs of Taylor Swift, currently on a world tour.

The police arrested a 17-year-old boy and do not consider the attack to be linked to terrorism.

Funds launched

Fans of the American star in the UK have launched an online fundraiser that has already raised more than £38,000 (€45,000) by mid-morning on Tuesday.

“We are working with Alder Hay Children's Hospital (in Liverpool) to help raise money for the families affected by the Southport tragedy, and to fund the funerals of the two young 'swifties' who have tragically lost their lives. life", indicates the collection page on the JustGiving platform.

Cristina Jones a "swifty" – nickname given to the singer's admirers – is at the origin of this collection, called "Swifties for Southport" and launched in partnership with the children's hospital charity where the injured were taken.

“The thought that these parents are going through hell right now and the thought that they are going through financial stress because of it breaks our hearts“, she told the BBC.

“There is no way we can make it better. But eliminating some stress was definitely a priority for us,” she added.