Axel Rudakubana had been referred to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent three times before he stabbed three young girls to death in Southport.

He was referred to 'Prevent' due to concerns about his obsession with violence, though he was found not to be motivated by a terrorist ideology.

His first referral came when he was just 13 years old, after he had viewed material relating to US school shootings.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Cardiff, admitted to the attack on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Axel Rudakubana pictured for the first timeCPS

Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, was to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday charged with 16 offences, including three counts of murder.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed class in The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29.

The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the attack, admitted their murders as well as the attempted murder of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Justice Goose said Rudakubana will be sentenced on Thursday.