Southport killer kept under close watch by four prison officers amid fears inquiry could trigger further violence

Dan McDonald
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:53:20 +0000

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is being guarded by at least four prison officers amid fears the fallout from a damning inquiry could trigger further violence.

The 19-year-old is being held under heightened security at HMP Belmarsh, where he is spending up to 23 hours a day in his cell.

The murderer, who is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years, cannot be moved anywhere within the London prison without an escort of at least four officers, The Sun has revealed.

The restrictions have been tightened following the publication of the inquiry, which raised concerns about the risk of further violent behaviour.

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The inquiry found the 2024 attack, in which Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed, could have been prevented if his parents had raised the alarm.

Rudakubana is being held under what prison authorities describe as a “safe systems” regime, requiring a heavy security presence whenever he is unlocked.

A source told The Sun: “They are taking no chances with him due to the inquiry and his history of violence.”

Staff at the prison are said to be fearful of the killer, with the insider adding: “Prison officers are frightened of him and rightly so.”

There are concerns he could attempt to fashion a weapon or carry out another attack.

“At least one of the officers will have a body-worn camera every time they interact with him,” the source said.

The inquiry is seen as a "potential trigger" that could heighten the danger he poses, they added.

Despite ongoing sessions with psychologists and therapists, Rudakubana is not believed to have shown signs of rehabilitation.

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“He is seen as likely to commit further attacks in jail,” the source added.

The level of security required has placed significant strain on prison resources, with four officers needed each time his cell door is opened.

This is understood to be a key reason he remains locked down for extended periods.

Rudakubana has previously been involved in violence behind bars, including an incident in May last year in which he threw boiling water over a prison officer, leaving them requiring hospital treatment.

Following the attack, he was banned from having a kettle in his cell.

Despite the restrictions, he retains some privileges.

He is allowed to take part in daily exercise with other inmates and can receive visits from an imam.

He also has access to canteen items, a television and a DVD player in his cell.