LONDON

A teenager on Monday pleaded guilty to the murder of three young girls during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last summer.

Axel Rudakubana, a British citizen born in Cardiff, Wales, faces multiple charges, including three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, following the attack on July 29.

The attack took place at Hart Space, a local sanctuary where young girls had gathered for a summer dance class.

What began as an afternoon of celebration on the first day of summer vacation ended in tragedy when Rudakubana stormed the venue, stabbing several children and their teacher.

Previously, not-guilty pleas were entered on his behalf after he failed to respond when the charges were put to him.

He has now changed his plea to guilty on all counts.