“The community was coming together; everyone was trying to help, to save the young kids,” he said.

After the news broke on Monday, King Charles III said in a statement that he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were “profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.”

“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,” the statement continued.