The teenager accused of killing three girls at a dance class in Southport has been charged with terrorism offences, but the knife attack has not been declared a terrorist incident.

According to the police, motivation must be provided for the attack to be classified as terrorism.

Police have warned people not to speculate about the motive for the July 29 attack at a Taylor Swift-themed lecture in which nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed.

The PA news agency examines the charges facing Axel Rudakubana and how the incidents were declared terrorism.

– What is Axel Rudakubana accused of?

The 18-year-old is accused of possessing a knife in addition to murdering Alice, Bebe and Elsie, as well as attempting to murder eight other children, educator Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

He was also charged Tuesday with additional offenses including production of Ricin, a biological toxin, and possession of information that could be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit a terrorist act.

– What is the terrorism charge about?

Following a search of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire, in the days following the attack, police found a PDF file titled Military Studies in Jihad Against Oppressors, Al Qaeda Training Manual.

He is accused of possessing it between August 29, 2021 and July 30, 2024.

He was charged under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Police Chief Serena Kennedy said that this accusation does not require a reason to be proven.

– Is ricin production a terrorist crime?

No, Rudakubana was charged with producing the toxin under Article 1 of the 1974 Biological Weapons Act.

– What about the attack?

The attack was not declared a terrorist incident by counter-terrorism police.

Ms Kennedy said: “For an incident to be declared a terrorist incident, motivation must be provided.

“We would strongly advise caution against anyone speculating about motivation in this case.

“The criminal case against Axel Rudakubana is ongoing and he has the right to a fair trial.”

– Are the anti-terrorism police involved?

On the day of the attack, Ms Kennedy confirmed North West Counter Terrorism Policing had offered support, but the motive for the stabbings remained unclear and the incident was not treated as a terrorist attack.

Forces can ask counter-terrorism police to assist with investigations into major incidents from the outset, giving them access to more resources and tactics that will allow them to progress the investigation quickly.

This may include forensic examination of the crime scene and looking at digital devices found as part of the investigation.

– What normally happens before an incident is declared terrorism?

Determining the circumstances of the incident is often complex and will depend on the nature of the incident and what the investigation uncovers; Therefore, it may take some time for an attack to be declared terrorism, especially in cases where there is no clear direct motivation or action. ideology of the event.

Perpetrators with mixed ideologies, which can sometimes be complex to interpret, may be one of the reasons it takes time to be identified.

Not all violent incidents are declared terrorist attacks, even some atrocities involving multiple victims.

Cases of extreme violence where hatred is a factor often do not meet the legal definition of terrorism.