Young Girl Questions Attacker’s Anger After Southport Stabbing

A young girl, known as “child four,” has been left grappling with profound questions following a stabbing attack in Southport that resulted in the tragic deaths of three children. During a public inquiry into the incident, she asked her mother why the attacker, identified as Axel Rudakubana, displayed such anger and if he had ever been loved. The attack occurred on July 29, 2022, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, leaving Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, dead, and injuring eight other children and two adults.

The inquiry heard that “child four” now experiences flashbacks and nightmares, living in “constant fear.” Her mother described her daughter’s transformation from a carefree child to one who is profoundly affected by the trauma of the attack. Just before the incident, the girl was excited to attend the dance class, but now she faces daily struggles stemming from the violence witnessed that day.

Another mother shared the harrowing experience of her daughters during the attack. Her eldest, referred to as “child C2,” displayed extraordinary bravery when she shielded her younger sister, “child C7,” from the assailant. Despite being injured, she instinctively pulled her sister close to protect her. The mother recounted how her daughters were separated in the chaos, with “child C7” suffering a stab wound in the back while fleeing to safety. Both girls are now dealing with the psychological scars of the incident, and their mother expressed concern for their emotional well-being.

Questions surrounding the attacker’s background have emerged as a significant concern. The mother of “child L,” who was not physically harmed but emotionally affected, highlighted that Rudakubana was already known to multiple agencies prior to the incident, adding a layer of distress to the situation. She stated, “That knowledge alone is a burden we carry every day.”

As the inquiry proceeds, it is set to hear impact statements from families of the surviving children, dance instructors Leanne Lucas and Heidi Liddle, and businessman Jonathan Hayes, who was injured while responding to the attack. The first phase of the inquiry will examine Rudakubana’s previous encounters with law enforcement, including prior incidents involving knives, as well as referrals made to the government’s counter-terrorism program, Prevent.

The inquiry is expected to delve into Rudakubana’s interactions with the criminal justice system, his education, and his relationships with social and health care services. A second phase will focus on analyzing the risks posed by young individuals drawn to extreme violence.

As families continue to process the impact of the tragedy, the young survivors are left to navigate their fears and the haunting memories of that day, with many questions still unanswered. The inquiry aims to shed light on the systemic failures that contributed to the attack, seeking to prevent future tragedies.