A second phase of Southport’s inquiry to examine the role of social media

The second phase of the Southport inquiry, which is expected to open later, is expected to examine the role of the internet and social media in influencing “violent individuals”.

The effectiveness of current laws and the regulation of knife sales will also be monitored during the hearing.

The public inquiry was launched after Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguirre were killed and 10 others stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party on July 29, 2024.

After episode one, the inquiry’s chairman, Sir Adrian Fulford, found “appalling” failures by various agencies and said the attacks could have been prevented.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for murder and attempted murder.

Sir Adrian published a report in April following nine weeks of hearings at the first round of inquiries at Liverpool City Hall.