TAXI DRIVER WHO TRANSPORTED SOUTHPORT ATTACKER LOSES LICENCE

Gary Poland has been stripped of his taxi driver licence following a review by Sefton Council. Poland transported Axel Rudakubana to a location in Southport on 29 July 2024, where Rudakubana murdered three young girls: Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine. Rudakubana also attempted to murder 10 others in the same attack. Poland left the scene and waited 50 minutes before contacting emergency services.

A Sefton Council spokesman stated that Poland no longer meets the appropriate standards set out in the council's taxi licensing policy. According to a separate report, Poland heard loud bangs at the scene and stated he drove away because he feared Rudakubana possessed a firearm and was shooting people. Poland reported experiencing what he described as "complete mortal terror and shock" at the time.

The licensing decision concludes a review process by the local authority into Poland's conduct on the day of the attack. No further action or appeal process has been detailed in the available statements from Sefton Council. The decision marks an outcome in one of several investigations related to the events of 29 July 2024.