Senior government figures have known in recent weeks that the alleged Southport killer could face terrorism charges.

Government officers have been consulted about charging 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana under the Biological Weapons Act for his alleged production of the deadly toxin Ricin, government sources have confirmed.

The revelation comes after the two Tory leadership candidates accused the police and government of withholding information about the Southport attack amid claims of a cover-up.

However, Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said it was “not correct” to say the government was involved in withholding the facts, while Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, urged the public not to speculate on the case for to ensure justice for the victims. ‘ families.

Rudakubana, already charged with the murders of three girls, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday charged with producing ricin and possessing information which could be of use to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism . .

He was charged in August with the murders of nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were stabbed to death during a class dance party to the theme of Taylor Swift in Hart Street, Southport, on July 29.