Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, urged the public not to speculate about the Southport attack, saying: “At this stage, the Counter Terrorism Police have not declared the events of July 29 a terrorist incident.

“I recognize that these new allegations may lead to speculation. The matter for which Axel Rudakubana was charged under the Terrorism Act does not require the establishment of a motive. For a matter to be declared a terrorist incident, the motivation should be established.

“I would strongly advise anyone not to speculate about the motive in this case. The criminal proceedings against Axel Rudakubana are live and he is entitled to a fair trial.”

For an act to be formally treated as terrorism by UK authorities, it must meet a series of legal tests developed more than two decades ago and set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.

The law states that the incident must involve the use or threat of serious violence or serious damage to property, be designed to influence the government, intimidate the public or a section of the public, and is intended to promote a political, religious, racial or ideological.

While the first two hurdles are quickly cleared in cases involving bombings, stabbings and mass violence, the need to prove that an attack is designed to further a wider cause is currently proving increasingly difficult.

Ms Cooper warned against speculation after the new charges were announced, saying: “The most important thing is to get justice for Bebe, Alice and Elsie and their heartbroken families, and everyone affected by the attack, and no one should to jeopardize this. “

Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, Rudakubana’s identity was revealed after a judge lifted a reporting ban following a request from the media.

He was due to appear in court last Friday, but that hearing, related to the murder charges, was moved to November 13. He will now also appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in relation to the new charges.