Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana has not guilty pleas entered over three murder charges

Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana has entered not guilty pleas on three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder following the deaths of three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

Rudakubana, 18, of Old School Close in Banks, Lancashire, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court today (18 December) by video-link from Belmarsh prison.

He failed to speak when the court asked for his name and instead sat with a grey tracksuit on, with his hands on his lap.

A court drawing of Axel Rudakubana appearing via video link (PA/Elizabeth Cook)

Rudakubana has also been charged with possession of a knife, production of biological toxin ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

Pleas of not guilty were entered by the clerk to all 16 counts on the indictment.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on 29 July.

The attempted murder charges are in relation to eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

The charge 'production of biological toxin ricin' alleges that Rudakubana produced ricin on or before 29 July.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine (left to right) Merseyside Police)

A PDF file titled 'Military studies in the jihad against the tyrants: the Al Qaeda training manual' was also found and is in relation to the other charge.

He is said to have possessed the file between 29 August, 2021 and 30 July, 2024.

However, police confirmed that the July attack has not been declared a terror incident.

“At this time Counter Terrorism Policing has not declared the events of 29 July a terrorist incident,” Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy said.

“I recognise that these new charges may lead to speculation. The matter for which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terrorism Act doesn’t require motive to be established.

“For a matter to be declared a terrorist incident, motivation would need to be established.”

Rudakubana was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff before his family moved to Banks, Lancashire.

He was 17 at the time of the incident.

A trial is set for January 20 and is expected to last up to four weeks.