Axel Rudakubana refused to come into court ahead of his sentencing hearing, GB News understands.

The hearing has been delayed as the 18-year-old is refusing to enter the courtroom at Liverpool Crown Court after he was taken to hospital, earlier today,

Rudakubana admitted 16 charges, including the murder of Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine; Bebe King, six; and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe.

He also admitted to the attempted murder of 10 people on the same day. This includes eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and two adults, Leanne Lucas and John Hayes.

Axel Rudakubana has refused to enter the courtroom

Rudakubana "required medical attention" and was taken to hospital in the early hours of this morning, government sources told The Times.

His condition was not deemed serious enough to delay his sentencing hearing, which was due to go ahead at 11am.

Upon entering the court, immediately sat and put his head down onto his knees. He did not respond at all when asked to confirm his name.

More than 30 members of the victims’ families sat in the public gallery of the dock for the sentencing hearing and the court heard there were others in an annexe. Twelve members of the media were in court, with others in an overspill and more than 70 people watching on a link.

Alice, Bebe and Elsie (left to right)MERSEYSIDE POLICE