Stricter rules brought in for knife sales online following Southport stabbings
Axel Rudakubana bought a knife from Amazon to commit his murders
Stricter rules will be introduced when buying knives online in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
Three girls were killed when Axel Rudakubana stabbed several people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July.
During the trial against Axel, who was spared a whole life sentence as a result of his age at the time of the attacks, it was revealed that he had bought the knife he used in the incident from Amazon.
Following his sentencing, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his government would act swiftly to prevent future incidents, adding that it was "shockingly easy" for a similar attack to be carried out.
Now, new rules have been announced when buying knives online to ensure safety is top priority when buying weapons online.
Under the new system, all retailers selling knives online will require photo ID such as a passport or a driving licence when buying the product.
As well as this, a proof of address will also be required including a utility bill, with the buyer required to show ID once again when the package is delivered.
Companies will only be allowed to deliver a package to the exact person who bought the blade, and it will be illegal to leave a package containing knives on a doorstep when no one is able to pick it up.
Speaking about the new proposals, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that it was maddening to her that children could buy knives so easily on the web.
"More than two years after Ronan Kanda was killed with a ninja sword bought by a teenager online, too many retailers still don't have proper checks in place," she said.
"It's too easy to put in false birth dates, parcels are too often being dropped off at a doorstop with no questions asked.
"We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks - before you buy, before it's delivered.
"The measures I am setting out today will be crucial in addressing this problem and are part of our Plan for Change and mission to make streets safer."