Trial Begins of Suspect in Southport Stabbing Attack at Dance Class

The trial began on Monday for Axel Rudakubana, 18, who is accused of carrying out a knife attack at a dance class last July in the northern English town of Southport that left three children dead and 10 other people injured.

Mr. Rudakubana faces three charges of murder for the deaths of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who were taking part in a Taylor Swift-themed dance and bracelet-making class during their summer break from school.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of 10 people, including eight other children and two adults, and with possession of a knife for the attack on July 29.

After the stabbings, the police searched Mr. Rudakubana’s house and said they found ricin, a lethal toxin, and a PDF file titled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al Qaeda Training Manual.” Mr. Rudakubana was subsequently charged with production of a biological toxin and with “possessing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.”

However, the authorities have not so far declared the episode an act of terrorism. Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of the Merseyside Police, which oversees policing in the region, said in a statement in October that “for a matter to be declared a terrorist incident, motivation would need to be established.” She added: “We would strongly advise caution against anyone speculating as to motivation in this case.”

Not-guilty pleas have been entered on Mr. Rudakubana’s behalf for all the charges. Throughout the legal proceedings so far, he has declined to speak.