An 18-year-old has been charged in connection with the murders of three young girls in Southport. Axel Rudakubana faces charges related to the production of the toxic substance ricin and for possessing a military study of an al-Qaeda training manual. He is specifically charged with creating a biological toxin in violation of the Biological Weapons Act 1974 and possessing a document potentially useful for committing or preparing an act of terrorism, violating the Terrorism Act 2000. Rudakubana is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police stated that the investigation into the stabbings that occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 would remain under their lead. Although Counter Terrorism Police are involved, they have not classified this incident as terrorism, which would necessitate evidence of a motive.

The ricin and the al-Qaeda training manual were discovered during searches at Rudakubana’s residence in Banks, Lancashire, after the stabbings. Ricin is an extremely hazardous poison that originates from castor oil plants. Authorities have confirmed that no traces of ricin were found at the crime scene in Southport, indicating that the level of risk from any poison identified was low. Dr. Renu Bindra, a senior medical advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, noted that there have been no reports of ricin poisoning among those connected to this case.

In addition to charges related to the poison and manual, Rudakubana has been charged with the murders of Bebe King (six), Elsie Dot Stancombe (seven), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (nine). Furthermore, he faces ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife. A trial is anticipated to commence in January.

The Prime Minister has expressed condolences for the victims' families through a spokesperson, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for those affected by this tragic event. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper cautioned against further speculation regarding the stabbings, highlighting that justice for Bebe, Alice, and Elsie is paramount. She underscored the necessity for support for law enforcement and prosecutors as they diligently pursue every avenue in their investigation leading up to the trial.