Families Hope ‘No Stone Is Unturned’ as Southport Killings Inquiry Resumes
Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe—aged just nine, six, and seven—were killed by Axel Rudakubana during a Taylor Swift-themed class in July last year
Last updated 8th Sep 2025
The families of three young girls killed in a knife attack at a Southport dance class say they hope a public inquiry will leave “no stone unturned.”
Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe—aged just nine, six, and seven—were killed by Axel Rudakubana during a Taylor Swift-themed class in July last year. The 18-year-old was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years after also attempting to murder 10 others, including eight children.
The first phase of the inquiry resumes at Liverpool Town Hall today, focusing on Rudakubana’s background and whether more could have been done to prevent the attack.
Christopher Walker, solicitor for the families, said:
“My clients, the three bereaved families, hope the inquiry will leave no stone unturned in establishing the facts around what led to this day.
“As both the chair and the Prime Minister have said, Southport must be a line in the sand, and this inquiry must lead to change.
“We already know that the attack was preventable. What is important to establish now is how and why.”
He added:
“This is clearly going to be a traumatic process for everyone involved, and it is my role to ensure my clients are fully supported and we assist the chair in establishing the truth in order to effect change.
“We are committed to bringing about change and ensuring that the legacies of Elsie, Alice, and Bebe are of hope and joy.
“Our three families cling to the hope that if they tread this painful path of discovery and uncovering the truth, no other families will have to again.”
The inquiry is expected to hear impact statements this week from families of surviving children, dance teachers, and a local businessman who was also injured.
Chairman Sir Adrian Fulford previously described the attack as “one of the most egregious crimes in our country’s history.”
The inquiry will examine Rudakubana’s contact with police, social services, and the Government’s Prevent programme. A second phase will look at how to manage the risk posed by young people with violent fixations.