Axel Rudakubana pleads guilty to murder of three young girls after Southport attack

The 18-year-old charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has pleaded guilty.

On the first day of trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Axel Rudakubana, 18, entered the guilty pleas.

He was charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who died in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space shortly before midday on 29 July.

Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar (PA)

Rudakubana is accused of the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.

Cardiff-born Rudakubana was charged with 16 offences, including three counts of murder, and will be sentenced on Thursday.

As well as pleading guilty to possession of a knife, he also admitted production of a biological toxin, ricin, on or before 29 July, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

The terrorism offence relates to a PDF file entitled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual which he possessed between August 29, 2021 and July 30, 2024.

However, the attack in Southport has not been declared a terrorist incident despite the discovery of the document, Merseyside Police has said.

This comes after Alice’s parents issued an emotional tribute at the funeral service and said: “A good girl, with strong values and kind nature.

The 18-year-old was charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class (PA/Elizabeth Cook)

“A lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making. You moved our world with your confidence and empathy. Playful, energetic, friendly and always so respectful.”

Bebe King's mother and father said she had been 'taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair'.

“Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind and spirited girl we adore,” they said.

Their older daughter witnessed the attack but managed to escape.

“She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her,” her parents said.

Elsie’s parents, Jenni and David, also issued a heartfelt tribute to their daughter, a 'devoted Swiftie' who 'brought light, love and joy to so many lives'.

“Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness,” they said.

“Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.”

Additional words by Anish Vij.