Southport suspect, 17, named as Axel Rudakubana

The 17-year-old charged with murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed holiday club in Southport can be named as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, after reporting restrictions were lifted.

The teenager appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday morning charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. He was remanded into custody.

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 in just six days time, was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff before moving to the village of Banks in Lancashire.

He has been charged with the murders of Bebe King six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; 10 counts of attempted murder; and possession of a bladed article, specifically a “kitchen knife with a curved blade” following the attack on Monday.

The three children died after being stabbed while they were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds, with five in critical condition. Two children have been discharged from hospital.

Dozens of officers stood watch outside the courtroom after another night of violent protests broke out across the country.

Teenager named to stop ‘vacuum’ of misinformation

The teenager appeared at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday where the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC made the ruling.

Previously he could not be named because of his age, but his anonymity would have fallen away next Wednesday when he turns 18.

Earlier on Thursday the teenager, from Banks in Lancashire, appeared in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing.

Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC heard arguments from the prosecution and defense as well as representations from the media about whether reporting of defendant Axel Rudakubana’s identity should be restricted until his 18th birthday.

The court heard Rudakubana was due to turn 18 next week, on Aug 7.

Judge Menary said: “Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.”

He added: “Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, mainly because he is 18 in six days time I do not make an order under section 45.”