The second phase of the Southport inquiry is set to begin, focusing on measures to prevent mass casualty attacks following the murder of three young girls in July 2024. Families of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, have called for stronger legal frameworks to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.

The inquiry, chaired by Sir Adrian Fulford, will examine several areas related to public safety and prevention. These include the management of risks posed by Violence Fixated Individuals, the influence of the internet on such offenders’ behavior, and the adequacy of current laws and systems in monitoring and addressing online activities related to violent intent. Additionally, the inquiry will assess regulations governing the sale and possession of knives and other weapons.

The families, supported by their lawyer Chris Walker, advocate for the introduction of a Mass Casualty Attack offence, with powers comparable to terrorism laws, in an effort to enhance prevention and public protection. Walker emphasized that the focus of this phase should be on implementing changes that can help avert future atrocities.

The first phase of the inquiry criticized various parties in connection with the July 2024 attack, including the parents of the perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time, as well as local police forces, NHS trusts, and a local authority. Rudakubana was subsequently sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for the killings.

As the inquiry progresses, it aims to provide recommendations to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework surrounding violence prevention, particularly in relation to individuals deemed at high risk of committing mass violence.