Calls made for ‘cover-up’ allegations as Southport suspect charged with terrorism offenses

Sir Keir Starmer’s political rivals have questioned whether there was a “cover-up” following new accusations against the suspect in the Southport attacks, including allegations of terrorism offences.

Axel Rudakubana, the teenager accused of fatally stabbing three girls at a dance class in Southport, has been charged with the manufacture of the deadly poison ricin and terrorism offences, Merseyside Police said.

Both Conservative leadership candidates said the Government had questions to answer about the new charges against the 18-year-old.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged the public not to speculate about the case to ensure the victims’ families receive justice.

Rudakubana will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday charged with the manufacture of ricin and possessing information that would be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit a terrorist act.

He is also charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, who were stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance lesson in Hart Street, Southport, on July 29. the attempted murder of eight other children, educator Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, and possession of a knife.

Downing Street insisted the timing of the latest charging announcement was entirely the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

But Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick said he was concerned the facts may have been hidden from the public.

He said: “Any allegations of a cover-up would permanently undermine public confidence in whether we are being told the truth about crimes in our country.

“Keir Starmer must urgently tell the country what he knew about the Southport attack and when he learned of it.

“The harsh reality of mass migration is generally glossed over. “We need the truth and we need to change.”

Conservative rival Kemi Badenoch said there were “serious questions to be asked about the police, the CPS and also Keir Starmer’s response to the whole situation”.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he added: “Parliament is the right place to make this happen.

“While we must abide by contempt of court rules and not prejudice this case, it is important that proper review is conducted.”

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, claimed he had called on authorities to reveal more details of the case to “stop online speculation”.

Downing Street has denied any involvement in the timing of the Government’s impeachment announcement.

A spokesman said: “No, charging decisions and when they are made are for the CPS.”

He also said it was “not true” to say the Government was involved in hiding the facts from the public.

Meanwhile, Ms Cooper said additional charges would “undoubtedly be distressing for people in Southport”.

In a warning against speculation about the case, he added: “The most important thing is to get justice for Bebe, Alice and Elsie and their heartbroken families and everyone affected by the attack, and no-one should risk that.

“Police and prosecutors have an important role to play in their investigations; they follow every avenue and take the action they need before trial.”

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told a press conference on Tuesday that the latest charges followed the search of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire.

The alleged terrorist crime relates to the PDF file titled Military Studies in Jihad Against Oppressors, Al Qaeda Training Manual.

Searches were carried out in the days after the attack, but it was not confirmed when the ricin was found.

The toxin was produced on or before July 29 and Rudakubana is accused of possessing the document between August 29, 2021 and July 30, 2024, according to the charges authorized by the CPS on Tuesday.

Rudakubana is alleged to have attended a school holiday dance class at a small business park in Southport shortly before noon on July 29.

Elsie and Bebe were pronounced dead at the scene.

Alice was pronounced dead at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in the early hours of the next day.

The day after the attack, thousands of people gathered in the town for a peaceful demonstration, but a separate protest outside a mosque in the town later turned violent.

The following week, protests took place in dozens of towns and cities across the country, escalating into violence and riots, with asylum center hotels specifically targeted.

Since then, more than 1,000 people have been arrested and hundreds have been charged and imprisoned.

The provisional hearing date for Rudakubana has been set for January next year.