In a heart-wrenching testimony, a teacher recounted the harrowing experience of hiding from the Southport assailant, Axel Rudakabana, in a restroom with a child while he aggressively attempted to enter. The emotional account was shared by Heidi Liddle during the Southport inquiry held at Liverpool Town Hall, where she expressed deep remorse and anguish over the tragic events that unfolded.
Liddle, a mother of two, detailed how she was participating in a Taylor Swift-themed workshop on July 29 last year when the horrific incident occurred. Rudakubana, 18, carried out a brutal knife attack that claimed the lives of three innocent children and injured several others, including dance teacher Leanne Lucas.
Recalling the horrifying moments, Liddle described the sudden turn of events that shattered the joyful atmosphere of the workshop. She vividly remembered witnessing the attack on her colleague and acted swiftly to protect the children by guiding them to safety. Amidst the chaos, she directed a girl towards the restroom, where they sought refuge as Rudakabana relentlessly tried to breach the door until the authorities intervened.
Despite her efforts to safeguard the children, Liddle grappled with feelings of guilt and questioned if there was more she could have done during the traumatic ordeal. The haunting memories of that day continue to haunt her, affecting her daily life and mental well-being.
The impact of the tragic incident also weighed heavily on Leanne Lucas, who sustained multiple stab wounds during the attack. She shared her account of the terrifying ordeal, emphasizing the abrupt shift from a joyful environment to one engulfed in fear and violence. Lucas recounted the chaos that ensued as they tried to shield the children from harm, expressing the enduring psychological scars left by the traumatic event.
Both Liddle and Lucas highlighted the need for justice and prevention of such devastating occurrences in the future. The ongoing inquiry aims to delve into Rudakubana’s background and interactions with relevant authorities to identify any missed opportunities that could have averted the tragedy.
As the inquiry progresses, the survivors and witnesses hope for closure and accountability, seeking to prevent similar acts of violence from occurring in the future.