Yesterday, the UK government formally launched a statutory Public Inquiry into the terrifying attack at a children’s dance class in Southport on 29th July 2024.

Following the attacker’s conviction, it was revealed that he had been on the radar of our security services for at least five years. Several state agencies had interactions with him and his family, with multiple concerns being documented.

The Southport Inquiry will investigate not just what happened on the day, but also the history of the attacker, what the various state bodies knew about him, the involvement of his family, and the collective awareness of the risk of danger he posed to others.

The evidence will demonstrate where any opportunities for intervention were missed, where any action taken was inadequate and what needs to change for this tragedy not to be repeated.

Nicola Brook, who is representing two survivors, said:

“Our clients are relieved that the evidence around that fateful day will be analysed as we know that the information currently in the public domain is the tip of the iceberg. We therefore fully support the work of the Inquiry in its investigations and will be making applications for core participant status in due course.  We look forward to working with Sir Adrian Fulford in uncovering what happened not only on that terrible day but also the years before when there were so many missed opportunities to intervene and prevent what happened.”

Broudie Jackson Canter will be making an application to the Chair of the Southport Inquiry for Core Participant Status on behalf of our clients.

Core Participant status is required for those who have a legitimate interest in the case and wish to read the evidence gathered by the Inquiry, make submissions on which witnesses should be asked to provide statements, ask witnesses relevant questions during the hearing, and make opening and closing statements on what the evidence reveals.

The victims and survivors of this attack must not be treated merely as witnesses to what happened.  They were put into a position where they had to act as first responders while they waited for the emergency services to arrive.  They attempted to thwart the attack, they rescued children from the horror, they did what they could to treat injuries.  They must not be left to watch the Inquiry from the sidelines.  They should be granted full core participant status and be allowed to be actively involved in the proceedings.

Head to our Southport Inquiry page for more information.