Police 'hampered' by conflict over revealing Southport killer's faith

POLICE responding to the Southport murders and riots were “hampered” by prosecutors’ inconsistent advice, MPs said.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

As false rumours spread online, the Crown Prosecution Service and Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy had a 90-minute discussion about whether to reveal triple child killer Axel Rudakubana’s religion.

Prosecutors in London largely favoured revealing Rudakubana was a Christian. But local representatives objected and the details were withheld.

But the lack of information created a “vacuum” where lies could grow, Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee said.

Stabbed

The MPs said contempt of court laws and CPS media guidance were not fit for today’s social media age.