Crime

Southport Stabbing: Two children dead and Cardiff-born teen arrested

Published

6 months ago

July 29, 2024

TWO children have died, and nine others were injured, six critically, in a “ferocious” knife attack at a children’s dance workshop in Southport. The incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street, leaving two adults in critical condition after attempting to protect the children, Merseyside Police have confirmed.

A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but now residing in Banks, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have stated that the motivation behind the attack remains “unclear” but is not being treated as terror-related.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 11:47 BST, marking the first full week of the school summer holidays for many children across the UK. Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances, and the fire service rushed to the dance class for children aged six to ten.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the scene as “horrendous,” noting that officers were shocked to find multiple victims, many of whom were children. “It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children,” she said.

She added that the adults injured were bravely attempting to protect the children. Kennedy, a mother and grandmother, expressed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.

The attack has drawn widespread shock and sympathy, with The King and Prime Minister leading tributes. The King stated that he and his wife were “profoundly shocked” by the “utterly horrific incident,” sending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, highlighting the nation’s deep shock and expressing gratitude to the emergency services for their response.

Journalist Tim Johnson from Eye on Southport reported the attack occurred at the Hope of Hart children’s club, housed in a former warehouse building. He described the scene as “horrendous” with numerous emergency vehicles and emotional first responders.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital declared a “major incident,” and the North West Ambulance Service dispatched 13 ambulances to the scene. Dave Kitchin, head of operations at the ambulance service, described the scene as “devastating,” acknowledging the lasting impact on the community.

Business owner Colin Parry, who witnessed the aftermath, likened the scene to a “horror movie,” noting the community’s collective effort to protect and save the children.

The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their horror and sympathy, emphasising the unimaginable pain faced by the families involved. Everton and Liverpool football clubs also offered their condolences, uniting in support of the Southport community.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Southport MP Patrick Hurley voiced their concerns and hopes for the best outcomes for those injured. Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson expressed their shock and sadness, pledging support for the affected community in the coming days and weeks.

The 17-year-old suspect remains in custody, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation to understand the motive behind this tragic incident.

Commenting on the events in Southport, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most. “

Crime

Drug dealers caught trafficking cocaine worth £2,000 to Steynton addict

Published

22 mins ago

January 20, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A COURT has heard how two drug dealers were caught trafficking cocaine with a street value of up to £2,000 to an addict in Steynton.

On the morning of July 31, 2024, officers stopped a silver Mercedes on the A477 westbound as it travelled from Swansea into Pembrokeshire. The vehicle was driven by Leslie Thomas, 65, with dealer Adam Idris, 42, in the passenger seat.

A search of the car uncovered 13.6 grams of cocaine, with a purity of 74%, wrapped in small plastic bags. The drugs, hidden in a compartment under the driver’s seat, had an estimated street value of £1,360 to £1,700 in the Dyfed-Powys Police division area.

Officers also discovered a handwritten note containing the address of Jessie Thompson, a 30-year-old addict, who was expecting the delivery at her home in Plas Peregrine, Steynton. When police visited the property, Thompson was described as “noncompliant and intoxicated through drugs.”

Surveillance and phone evidence

Further investigations revealed that Thomas’ silver Mercedes had made two return trips between Swansea and Milford Haven on July 2 and July 24. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) checks also linked the car to journeys to Haverfordwest and Thompson’s home.

Mobile phone analyses showed 105 calls between Idris and Thompson from June 21 to June 30, with the last call made the day before the arrest. During the call, Idris asked if Thompson would be “about.” A map application on Thomas’ phone confirmed visits to Thompson’s address on July 24.

A search of Thompson’s property uncovered drug paraphernalia, including crack foil, several snap bags, and digital scales containing cocaine residue.

Debt and coercion

During a police interview, Thompson claimed she was contacted by an unidentified caller, later identified as Idris, who asked her to sell drugs.

“He’d heard that [Thompson] could shift drugs,” said prosecutor James Hartson. “She was told she didn’t have to pay up front and could sell the drugs on credit. Her debt eventually reached £6,000, which she tried to clear by selling drugs to fund her addiction. She kept a baseball bat at her home for protection.”

Sentences handed down

Idris and Thompson both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cocaine possession. Idris also admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine. Thomas, of George Street, Neath, pleaded guilty to cocaine possession.

Idris was sentenced to 50 months in custody. Thomas received 29 months. Thompson was handed a 20-month sentence, suspended for 24 months. She was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Crime

Cardiff-born teenager admits to triple murder at Southport dance party

Published

1 hour ago

January 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CARDIFF-BORN teenager has admitted to the brutal murders of three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, aged 18, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (Jan 19).

The tragic incident took place on July 29 last year at the Hart Space venue, where six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar were fatally stabbed. The party, meant to be a joyful celebration, descended into horror as Rudakubana unleashed a violent attack.

***Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, who died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class***

Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in Banks, Lancashire, also admitted to possessing a bladed article, namely a kitchen knife with a curved blade. Further charges included the production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of a terrorist training manual, highlighting the shocking extent of his criminal activity.

Troubled past

The court heard that Rudakubana, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, had a history of violent behaviour. Concerns about his conduct had been raised during his school years. He was excluded from Range High School in Formby after an incident involving a hockey stick and later attended a specialist school within Sefton borough, where staff remained alarmed by his aggression.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that Rudakubana had become increasingly withdrawn and refused to engage with psychiatrists following his arrest. While no mental health condition requiring hospitalisation was identified, his behaviour remained erratic. At court appearances, he refused to speak, often covering his face, and was seen smiling at the press before hiding behind his sweatshirt.

Family background

Rudakubana is the youngest son of a family who moved from Cardiff to Banks in 2013. His father, Alphonse Rudakubana, originally from Rwanda, relocated to the UK in 2002 following the country’s genocide. A profile of Mr Rudakubana in 2015 described him as a martial arts enthusiast and dedicated family man. Neighbours recalled the family as a “lovely couple” with two active young sons.

Despite a seemingly ordinary upbringing, Axel’s early years showed glimpses of promise. At 11 years old, he appeared in a BBC Children in Need advert, dressed as Doctor Who. The now-deleted footage showed him emerging from the Tardis in a trench coat, mimicking actor David Tennant.

Sentencing ahead

Rudakubana will be sentenced on Thursday. Mr Justice Goose informed him that a “life sentence equivalent” would be imposed for the murders. The case has left the community of Southport reeling and brought heartbreak to the families of the victims, who continue to mourn the devastating loss of their young daughters.