A 17-year-old, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, has been charged with the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. He is also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after injuring eight children and two adults in the attack on Monday. Rudakubana, from Banks, Lancashire, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and also faces a charge of possessing a curved kitchen knife.
Read More: Two Children Killed in Stabbing Incident at U.K. Dance Class
Previously unnamed due to his age, Judge Andrew Menary allowed his identity to be revealed following media requests. Rudakubana, who turns 18 next week, had been the subject of misinformation about his identity.
Following a surveillance for the victims, unrest broke out in Southport, with protesters gathering near a mosque. Five men were arrested, one charged with possessing a knife, after a police van was set on fire and bricks were thrown, injuring 53 officers.
Rumors falsely claimed the suspect was Muslim and a recent immigrant, leading to further disorder. These claims originated from a website called Channel 3 Now, which has not responded to requests for comment. The name spread rapidly on social media, prompting the police to urge the public not to speculate on the suspect’s identity.
Following the Southport disturbances, protests and disorder occurred across England, with more than 100 arrests in central London. Incidents also took place in Hartlepool, Manchester, and Aldershot. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the violence and laid out plans for increased police cooperation to tackle such incidents, describing the perpetrators as a “tiny, mindless minority” and condemning far-right hatred.
The victims, Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9), were killed in the stabbings on Hart Street, Southport. Eight children and two adults were also injured. Two children have been discharged from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, while five remain in stable condition.
The families of Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar issued tributes and requested privacy. Bebe’s family expressed their devastation, while Alice’s family urged her to keep smiling and dancing.
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