Axel Rudakubana has been charged with a terror offence to accompany charges for the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The 18-year-old was accused of carrying out the knife attack in Southport. He has now been charged with a terror offence and producing the deadly poison ricin which was found in his home, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court by videolink on Wednesday. He is already charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven on July 29.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of eight children, as well instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, as well as possession of a knife.
(Image: Helen Tipper / SWNS)
Ms Kennedy said: “Searches of Axel Rudakubana’s home address resulted in an unknown substance being found. Testing confirmed the substance as Ricin.
“We have worked extensively with partners to establish that there was a low to very low risk to the public and I want to make that reassurance clear today.
“I can also tell you that there was no Ricin present at Hart Street.”
She added: “I recognise that these new charges may lead to speculation.
(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
“The matter for which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terrorism Act does not require motive to be established.
“For a matter to be declared as a terrorist incident, motivation would need to be established.
“I would strongly advise anyone against speculating as to the motivation in this case.
“The criminal proceedings against Axel Rudakubana are live and he has a right to a fair trial.”
She also added: “We must not lose sight of the families of Elsie, Bebe and Alice, who are still grieving, and the families and those victims who were present at Hart Street on July 29.
“We need to do the right thing to ensure that the justice process is not prejudiced.”
A provisional trial date for Rudakubana has been set for January next year.