The Southport attack occurred on July 29, 2024, when a knife-wielding intruder entered a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at the Hart Space on Hart Street, resulting in the tragic deaths of three young girls: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar. Ten others, including eight children and two adults—dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes—were injured in the stabbing. Following the incident, Axel Rudakubana was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and later, additional charges related to the possession of a biological toxin (ricin) and an Al-Qaeda training manual.
Detailed Timeline of Events
The attack commenced at approximately 11:47 BST on Monday, July 29, 2024, during a sold-out summer holiday activity for children aged 6 to 11. Police arrived on the scene within minutes of the first emergency call, encountering a chaotic and harrowing environment where adults were shielding children from the assailant.
Emergency services, including the North West Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, declared a “major incident” to coordinate the massive medical response. By early afternoon, a 17-year-old male from Banks, Lancashire, had been taken into custody, and the weapon—a kitchen knife—was recovered by investigators.
The Victims and Heroes
The community mourned the loss of 6-year-old Bebe King, 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and 9-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar, whose lives were celebrated in massive vigils held outside the Atkinson. The bravery of Leanne Lucas, who was stabbed while protecting her students, and John Hayes, who ran into the building to intervene, remains a cornerstone of the Southport story.
The local response was immediate, with neighbors and local businesses providing water, sanctuary, and first aid to the fleeing children. In the months following, the “Southport Strong” movement raised millions of pounds to support the bereaved families and the survivors through various charitable foundations.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Axel Rudakubana, who turned 18 in August 2024, faces a complex trial at Liverpool Crown Court involving multiple serious offenses. While the initial charges focused on the stabbings, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) added charges in October 2024 under the Biological Weapons Act 1989 and the Terrorism Act 2000.
The defense and prosecution are currently navigating forensic evidence and mental health assessments, with the trial expected to be one of the most high-profile legal cases of 2025 and 2026. Legal experts emphasize that despite the “Terrorism Act” charge for the manual, the incident has not been officially declared a “terrorist attack” by the police, as a specific motive has not yet been proven in court.
Biological Toxin Discovery
Investigators conducted extensive searches of the suspect’s home in Banks following the arrest, leading to the discovery of ricin. This discovery triggered a secondary investigation into how such a substance was acquired or manufactured and whether there was an intention to use it in a wider capacity.
Terror Manual Possession
The additional charge under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 pertains to a document titled “Military Training Guide by 12/11/2004,” which is considered useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. This has added a significant layer of complexity to the motive-seeking phase of the trial.
Misinformation and National Riots
In the 24 hours following the attack, false claims spread rapidly on social media platforms like X and Telegram, incorrectly identifying the suspect as an asylum seeker who had arrived on a “small boat.” This misinformation acted as a catalyst for a violent riot in Southport on July 30, which specifically targeted a local mosque.
The unrest quickly spread to cities across England and Northern Ireland, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the fast-tracking of prison sentences for those involved in the violence. The UK government subsequently launched a task force to combat online misinformation and the role of algorithmic amplification in civil disorder.
Practical Information and Support
How to Access Mental Health Support
Victim Support: A dedicated 24/7 hotline is available for anyone impacted by the Southport events.
Sefton Council Resources: The local authority provides a hub for community counseling and youth trauma services at Atkinson.
NHS Mersey Care: Specialist PTSD services have been expanded in the Merseyside area specifically for survivors and first responders.
Planning a Visit to Southport
If you are visiting to pay respects or attend memorial services in 2026:
The Atkinson: This cultural hub remains the central point for information and local community strength.
Transport: Southport is accessible via Merseyrail from Liverpool Central or via Northern Rail from Manchester.
Safety: The town has returned to a state of peace, with increased community policing to ensure the safety of visitors and residents.
Memorial Locations
A permanent memorial garden is being planned near the town center to honor Bebe, Elsie, and Alice. Visitors are encouraged to check the Sefton Council website for updates on the official dedication ceremony dates.
FAQs
Who was the attacker in Southport?
The attacker was identified as Axel Rudakubana, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. At the time of the attack, he was living in the village of Banks, Lancashire.
What were the names of the children who died?
The three victims were Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Da Silva Aguiar (9).
Was the Southport attack a terrorist incident?
While the suspect has been charged with possessing a terrorist manual, the police have not officially classified the stabbing itself as a terrorist attack because no clear political or ideological motive has been established in court yet.
What is the “ricin” charge about?
During a search of the suspect’s home, police found the biological toxin ricin. He was subsequently charged under the Biological Weapons Act 1989 for possession of the substance.
How many people were injured in Southport?
A total of ten people were injured, including eight children and two adults who were critically wounded but survived.
Why did riots happen after the attack?
Riots occurred because of widespread false information on social media claiming the attacker was an illegal immigrant. This led to far-right demonstrations and clashes with police across the UK.
Is Axel Rudakubana being tried as an adult?
Yes, although he was 17 at the time of the offense, he turned 18 shortly after and his identity was revealed by a judge to prevent further misinformation.
What happened to the dance teacher, Leanne Lucas?
Leanne Lucas was seriously injured while shielding children from the attacker. She has since undergone extensive surgery and has been praised nationally for her heroism.
Can I still donate to the Southport families?
Yes, various verified charities, including the Southport Strong fund and the Community Foundation for Merseyside, continue to accept donations for the long-term support of those affected.
Where is the trial taking place?
The trial is being held at Liverpool Crown Court, presided over by senior judiciary members due to the severity of the case.
Is Southport safe for tourists now?
Yes, Southport is a safe and welcoming coastal town. The community has shown immense resilience, and the local economy continues to rely on tourism and visitors.
What has changed regarding knife crime laws?
The UK government has introduced stricter bans on “zombie-style” knives and machetes in the wake of this and other incidents, aiming to reduce the availability of high-risk weapons.
How can I help the people of Southport?
The best way to help is by supporting local businesses, respecting the privacy of the victims’ families, and promoting factual information over social media speculation.
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