In a shocking turn of events, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana has pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
The confession, made on January 20, comes just moments before his trial was set to begin at Liverpool Crown Court.
Rudakubana admitted to killing Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, during a terrifying knife attack at The Hart Space dance studio on July 29, 2024.
The teenager, who was armed with a knife, stormed into the class just before noon, killing the three girls and attempting to kill several others in the room.

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In addition to the murders, Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of eight other children, as well as the dance instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
He further admitted to possessing a knife, making ricin (a deadly toxin), and having an Al-Qaeda terror manual, which included materials promoting extremist views.
The plea deal, which has shocked the victims’ families, means the expected four-to-six-week trial was cut short before it even began.
The families, who had hoped to confront Rudakubana in court, are now denied that opportunity. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, January 23.
The attack has left the community in deep shock, as more details of the horrific crime continue to emerge.