Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy said she was advised against publishing the detail by local CPS, while national CPS approved.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy sought to release the religion of Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, to counter misinformation following the July 2023 attacks. Rudakubana, charged with a terror offence and producing ricin, became the subject of false claims linking him to Islam, leading to a surge in hate crimes against Muslims, rising from 130 to 170 cases. Kennedy aimed to clarify his religion to protect the Muslim community but was advised against it by local CPS, though national CPS approved. During her evidence to MPs, she highlighted the conflict between local and national CPS and the need to balance public information with justice proceedings. The case sparked discussions about updating media protocols.
