Summary of the Story:
- Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old, has been identified as the suspect in the Southport mass stabbing.
- He appeared in court charged with the murders of three young girls and 10 counts of attempted murder.
- The attack took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school, resulting in multiple injuries and a major incident declaration.
Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire, has been identified and charged in connection with the horrific Southport mass stabbing.
Southport stabbing attack: 17-year-old suspect unmasked in court
Appearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ and Crown Court on Wednesday, Rudakubana was formally charged with the murders of three young girls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
The teenager, who covered his face with a prison-issue jumper during his court appearance, is also accused of 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Judge Menary remanded Rudakubana into youth accommodation detention until trial proceedings were completed.
A potential trial date has been set for 20 January 2025, allowing for several weeks if required.
Meanwhile, a plea hearing is scheduled for 25 October 2024.
What we know about Axel Rudakubana
Axel Rudakubana’s identity has now been revealed following his court appearance, lifting the anonymity previously afforded to him due to his age.
According to reports, the suspect’s 18th birthday, which falls next week, would have automatically lifted any order under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
Rudakubana is originally from Cardiff and has been living in Banks, Lancashire.
His arrest at the scene of the attack came after the violent incident at a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school in Southport on Monday morning.
The attack claimed the lives of three young girls, aged six, seven, and nine, and left five other children and two adults critically injured.
Emergency services, including 13 ambulances and specialized resources, responded promptly, declaring a “major incident” due to the scale of the attack.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy emphasised that initial reports on social media about the suspect’s identity were incorrect, urging the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.