The official report into the Southport attacks — in which 17-year old Axel Rudakubana murdered three girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in July 2024 — paints a damning picture of multiple serious failings by government agencies. Sir Adrian Fulford, the high court judge overseeing the public inquiry, said the attack could have been prevented if officials had not dismissed Rudakubana’s increasingly erratic and violent behaviour as symptoms of his autism. Officials used his autism diagnosis to excuse his behaviour and failed to recognise that this condition heightened, rather than lessened, the risk he posed. Those the judge found to have failed in their duty to protect the public amounts to a roll call of public agencies, including two police forces, two NHS mental health services and the local council’s family and social care services. Those involved should hang their heads in shame.

The Southport attack did not have to happen

The only ‘civilisation’ Trump will destroy is his own

Sir Adrian was unsparing. He said ‘clearly, repeated and unambiguously signposted’ warnings........

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