Inquiry into Southport stabbings launched after Axel Rudakubana admits murder
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An inquiry into the Southport stabbings has been launched by the government. It comes after Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted murdering Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in the attack in Southport, Merseyside, in July last year.
Politics latest: PM says 'grave questions to answer' over Southport. Rudakubana is set to be sentenced on Thursday - with the judge saying a life sentence is "inevitable". Sir Keir Starmer said earlier today: "The news that the vile and sick Southport killer will be convicted is welcome.
"It is also a moment of trauma for the nation and there are grave questions to answer as to how the state failed in its ultimate duty to protect these young girls. "Britain will rightly demand answers. And we will leave no stone unturned in that pursuit.".
It has now emerged that Rudakubana was referred to the government anti-extremism scheme - known as Prevent - three times before the murders due to a fixation with violence. After the attacks in July 2024, there were calls for more information about what was known by authorities to be released and violent riots took place across the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. Speaking earlier today, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "As we learn more details of Axel Rudakubana's horrific crimes, my thoughts are first and foremost with the victims' families. "We will need a complete account of who in government knew what and when. The public deserves the truth.
