FREE TO KILL

DANCE class knife killer Axel Rudakubana admitted murdering three young girls yesterday - as it emerged three chances to stop him were missed.

- PHIL CARDY

The teenager who also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of 10 others at the Taylor Swift-themed class in Southport - had been referred to a government scheme to stop terrorist violence.

One of the referrals followed concerns about his potential interest in the killing of children in a school massacre, it is understood.

His behaviour was assessed by the Prevent scheme as potentially concerning, but he was deemed not to be motivated by a terrorist ideology or be a terrorist danger.

Therefore, he was not considered suitable for the counter-radicalisation scheme.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer yesterday said Britain will "rightly demand answers" over how the state "failed" to protect the three young girls and the government will leave "no stone unturned".

He said: "Our thoughts are with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar and the families of everyone affected - who will be saved the ordeal of a protracted trial.

"The news that the vile and sick Southport killer will be convicted is welcome.