Teen accused of UK Southport murders faces new ‘terrorism’ charge

A teenager accused of murdering three young girls in a knife attack in northern England in July has been charged with production of the deadly poison ricin and a “terrorism” offence.

Axel Rudakubana, who is accused of killing girls aged between six and nine at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, has also been has also been charged with production of the lethal biological toxin ricin and possession of an al-Qaeda training manual.

The 18-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court by videolink from Belmarsh Prison on Wednesday, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, with his sweatshirt held over his face.

He did not answer when asked to confirm his name and has yet to enter any pleas to charges of murder and attempted murder.

Rudakubana is expected to next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on November 13, when he may be asked to enter his pleas.Police said after the new charges were made public that the stabbings were still not being treated as “terrorist related”. Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said no ricin was found at the scene.