Southport killer 'used stolen ID' to previously buy machetes

Southport killer 'used stolen ID' to previously buy machetes

A recent public inquiry revealed that the teenager responsible for the Southport knife attacks, which resulted in the deaths of three girls, had managed to obtain large bladed weapons online through the use of two driving licences. The attacker, referred to as Axel Rudakubana, orchestrated the deadly assault at a children’s dance workshop in Merseyside, claiming the lives of Alice Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King, while injuring eight other girls and two adults. The inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, shed light on how the 19-year-old assailant had been amassing a collection of weapons in his bedroom for at least two years.

During the initial phase of the Southport Inquiry, focus was placed on exploring the assailant’s history, interactions with relevant agencies, and potential missed opportunities to prevent the tragic attack. Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye, who spearheaded the Merseyside Police investigation, testified about the knifeman’s online weapon purchases. The inquiry learned that Axel Rudakubana had acquired machetes from three different companies – Springfields, Knife Warehouse, and Hunting and Knives – using driving licences belonging to individuals named ‘Alice’ and ‘Samuel’, without their knowledge.

The inquiry also delved into the actions of a taxi driver, Gary Poland, who dropped off the assailant at the scene of the attack and failed to promptly alert authorities. Det Ch Insp Pye highlighted the significance of responsible public action during such events, commending those who aided the victims. The tragic incident was marked by a display of both chaos and heroism, with individuals like window cleaner Joel Verite stepping in to assist law enforcement in tending to the wounded. Moreover, details emerged about how the assailant’s phone contained the precise address of the dance studio where the attack took place, suggesting premeditation.

As the Southport Inquiry continues to unfold, it remains a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and the crucial role played by law enforcement and civilians in mitigating such tragedies

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