'I live in Southport and there's a tragic detail after murders that people forget'

EXCLUSIVE: 'I live in Southport and there's a tragic detail after murders that people forget'As the first phase of the Southport Inquiry report is published, the Mirror speaks to members of a community which has rallied in the face of unimaginable tragedyCommentsNewsJulia Banim Audience Writer17:44, 13 Apr 2026View 12 ImagesAxel Rudakubana was jailed for life for the heinous murders(Image: PA)Southport locals are still reeling from Axel Rudakubana's heinous child murders in a town that prides itself on being a safe haven for families.‌Like far too many, Andrew Brown remembers the events of July 29, 2024, all too well. After a fairly dismal summer, his seaside hometown of Southport had exploded in glorious sunshine.‌Holidaymakers had poured into the Merseyside town, with its quaint Victorian architecture and famous pleasure pier, taking boats out on the lake and riding the carousel.‌Dad-of-two Andrew had been over in the pretty village of Ainsdale, some three miles from the centre, attending the North West in Bloom Awards. The floral displays were spectacular that year, and Andrew remembers how "stunning" everything looked.Speaking with the Mirror, Andrew recalled: "Loads of families, loads of people having fun and, you thought, 'Wow Southport's looking really good'." It was then that the messages began to trickle through. Something had happened on Hart Street.READ MORE: Southport inquiry updates: 5 failings as Rudakubana’s parents among those criticisedREAD MORE: Southport killer parents' warped life tormented by son and forced into hidingView 12 ImagesJuly 29, 2024 began with sunshine and joy, and ended in tragedy(Image: STEVE ALLEN)‌Talk of a police presence in the suburban Meols Cop area quickly escalated into something far more devastating. Andrew, who runs the positive community news website, Stand Up for Southport, remembered: "Then all the rumours started, and people sent a message through sayin...