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Southport suspect: A timeline of what was said and when 

Merseyside Police put up a fence after the Southport attack at the end of July. Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images

Three months after the Southport attack in July, suspect Axel Rudakubana has been charged with two new fresh offences. With his trial set to go ahead in January, there has been much comment in Westminster as to when the authorities were first informed.

To try and make sense of the case, Steerpike has laid out a timeline of events – from the day of the horrific attack up until the latest charges were announced.

Monday 29 July: Around noon, reports emerged that a knifeman had entered a Southport dance class and attacked the children present. Tragically three young girls are killed, with others injured before Merseyside Police detain the attacker. The Prime Minister writes on Twitter that he is appalled at the: ‘Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport’ adding ‘I am being kept updated as the situation develops.’

Thursday 1 August:  17-year-old Axel Rudakubana is charged in connection with the attack. He appears at Liverpool Crown Court, facing three counts of murder and 10 of attempted murder following the killings.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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