A shocking revelation has emerged from the Southport inquiry, showing the killer's own brother expressed fears about his potential for violence a full two years before the devastating attack that shook the community.
The inquiry heard compelling evidence that family members had recognised disturbing behavioural patterns and escalating concerns long before the tragedy unfolded. These warnings, now coming to light, raise serious questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the attack.
Missed Warning Signs
According to testimony presented to the inquiry, the brother explicitly stated his fear that the perpetrator would "kill" someone, demonstrating clear awareness of the escalating risk within his own family. This stark warning represents one of the most significant pieces of evidence to emerge from the ongoing investigation.
The disclosure has prompted difficult questions about how such explicit concerns from close family members were handled by authorities and support services.
Systemic Failures Under Scrutiny
Legal representatives for the victims' families have emphasised the critical importance of these revelations. "When a family member raises concerns of this nature, it should trigger immediate and thorough assessment," one legal expert commented during proceedings.
The inquiry is now examining whether existing safeguarding protocols were properly followed and if opportunities to prevent the tragedy were missed due to systemic failures.
Community Impact and Healing
The Southport community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, with these latest revelations adding another layer of complexity to the healing process. Local residents have expressed both anger and sadness at the news that warning signs may have been evident long before the incident.
As the inquiry continues, focus remains on ensuring lessons are learned and similar tragedies prevented through improved early intervention systems and better support for families raising concerns about loved ones.
