Southport inquiry begins into 2024 triple-murder case

The public inquiry into the Southport attack, which resulted in the tragic murders of three young girls, has officially commenced, led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and chaired by Sir Adrian Fulford. The inquiry is structured in two phases, with the first focusing on the events leading up to the attack and the interactions between the perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana, and various public agencies. Rudakubana was previously known to the government's Prevent scheme and had a history of concerning behavior, raising serious questions about safeguarding failures. The second phase will address broader issues of youth violence and how young individuals may be drawn into extreme actions. Cooper emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. The inquiry has been granted statutory powers to collect evidence and testimonies effectively.