Southport Attack Inquiry: Taxi Driver Waited 50 Minutes to Call 999 After Witnessing Children Flee

Southport Attack Inquiry: Taxi Driver Delay and Public's Response Under Scrutiny

The ongoing inquiry into the Southport attack, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed class on July 29th last year, has heard testimony regarding the response of a taxi driver and the commendable actions of members of the public. The inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, is examining the events leading up to and following the attack by Axel Rudakubana (referred to as AR), who was later jailed for a minimum of 52 years.

Taxi Driver's Delayed Response

The inquiry focused on the actions of taxi driver Gary Poland, who drove Rudakubana to the scene. Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye testified that Poland waited 50 minutes before calling 999, despite hearing children scream and seeing them fleeing the building. The incident occurred after Poland picked up Rudakubana from his home in Banks, Lancashire. Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquiry, questioned the delay, with DCI Pye stating he would have expected a responsible member of the public to have called 999 sooner.

Police Sergeant's Rapid Response and Actions of the Public

The inquiry also highlighted the bravery of Sergeant Greg Gillespie, who, armed only with a baton, entered the scene just six seconds after being warned that the attacker was armed with a knife. Alongside PC Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry, they confronted Rudakubana, shouting at him to drop the knife before arresting him. The actions of ordinary members of the public were also commended. Leanne Lucas, who was running the event, ushered children out despite being stabbed multiple times. Neighbors and off-duty medical professionals, including resident Stephen Mitton and his wife Pamela Mitton, came to the aid of the injured. Window cleaners Joel Verite and Marcin Tyjon assisted the first responders, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

Details Emerge About Rudakubana's Preparations

Further details revealed Rudakubana's attempts to purchase weapons before the attack, including machetes, a sledgehammer, and a bow and arrow. Searches also found a substance under his bed, tested positive for ricin. The inquiry also learned that Rudakubana had researched the stabbing of a bishop in Australia shortly before the Southport attack. The inquiry heard that the perpetrator had seen details of the event advertised on Instagram.

Recognition of the Human Toll

Sir Adrian Fulford, the inquiry chairman, acknowledged the emotional toll on investigating officers, particularly DCI Pye, who had to review distressing CCTV footage and delve into Rudakubana’s motivations. He thanked DCI Pye for his work on behalf of the public. DCI Pye described the day of the attack as “an example of bad meets good”.