The family of Axel Rudakubana are “devastated” following his knife attack on a Southport holiday club, the church attended by his father has said. The 18-year-old, of Banks, Lancashire, killed six-year-old Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and injured 10 others when he launched the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.
In a statement, leaders of The Community Church in Southport, attended by Rudakubana’s father Alphonse, said the family had been moved to a secret location for their protection. Church leaders Dave Gregg, Geoff Grice, Harry Pickett and Mike Rothwell, said: “Axel was born and went to school in the United Kingdom, he has autism and has struggled with mental health issues.
“Prior to the major incident in Southport, he had been living with his parents in the village of Banks near Southport. “There has been the inevitable speculation about his family and background – with his father Alphonse being named in the national press.
“It has also been reported that his parents are both Christians and attend a local church. “To prevent unnecessary intrusion into other churches in our town, we can confirm that over the last few years Alphonse Rudakubana has been a valued part of The Community Church family.”.
