The families of Elsie, Alice and Bebe say “reforms are required urgently” after they heard the “deeply distressing” findings in the report into the Southport Inquiry today.
Southport Inquiry Chair Sir Adrian Fulford shared how the tragic murders of the three girls in Southport in 2024 were “not only predictable, they were preventable” as he highlighted major failings by the killer’s parents and by a number of public bodies.
He made 67 recommendations as a result, with the families of girls demanding that real change must now happen and that today “marks a genuine turning point”.
Chris Walker, Bond Turner solicitor representing the three bereaved families, said:
“The Southport murders were not only predictable, they were preventable.
“Today’s publication of the Southport Inquiry report exposes the scale of the systemic failures that led to the tragedy of July 2024.
“For our families, this has always been about honouring their girls and ensuring no one else endures what they face every day. Their participation in the Inquiry took immense courage, and seeing the extent of the failures in black and white is devastating.
“On behalf of our clients we welcome the report’s clear – though deeply distressing – findings on the profound systemic failures and individual failures, that preceded this attack and the responsibility borne by AR’s parents.
“The Chair’s conclusion that this atrocity would not have occurred had agencies taken ownership of the escalating risk is stark. The report details how concerns were repeatedly passed between organisations in what it describes as an ‘inappropriate merry‑go‑round’ of referrals, case closures and missed opportunities.
“Information was not shared, risks were minimised, and interventions that could have prevented this attack were not taken.
“Crucially, the Inquiry finds that the attack would have been prevented had agencies acted to a competent level.
“In relation to parental actions, the report is unequivocal: AR’s parents failed in their responsibility to society. He had not left the house for two years except when armed or seeking to cause harm, yet they allowed him to leave on that day knowing he was likely carrying a weapon.
“We are grateful to the Chair’s 67 recommendations that we will consider over the coming days and weeks, commenting further once it has been fully digested.
“But let us be clear – reforms are required urgently.
“On behalf of the families, we repeat the Chair’s hope that this marks a genuine turning point.
“Our clients have endured unimaginable loss, and their priority has always been preventing this from happening to another family while seeking individual and systemic accountability. This fight does not end today.
“We call for immediate action, clear accountability and real change – not simply reassurances that ‘lessons have been learned’.
“The public deserves systems capable of identifying escalating risk, protecting the vulnerable and preventing acts of mass violence. We, alongside our clients, will continue to push for that change until it is achieved.”
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