An investigation into an online retailer that sold a machete to Axel Rudakubana has been recommended by the Southport inquiry report. The report highlighted concerns about the Hunting and Knives site, stating that it was promoting knives inappropriately and irresponsibly online by referencing them as weapons for stabbing and combat.

Rudakubana purchased a Congo Kukri machete from the website in October 2023 using a false identity, with the inquiry chairman, Sir Adrian Fulford, criticizing the weak age verification procedures. The machete was delivered without age checks, as the company failed to ensure compliance with legal requirements, resulting in the delivery of numerous knives without proper age verification.

Sir Adrian’s report called for a police-led investigation into potential criminal offenses by the online retailer. The report also highlighted the tragic incident where three children were fatally stabbed by Rudakubana during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in 2024, using a knife purchased from Amazon.

The report emphasized the lack of attention given to online marketing descriptions of knives and machetes and the insufficient enforcement of existing laws in this regard. It identified systemic failures across various agencies that could have prevented the attack, describing it as foreseeable and avoidable.

Sir Adrian stressed the need for accountability and change to prevent such events from reoccurring. Recommendations included stricter regulations on online weapons purchases, especially for young individuals. The report detailed how the killer obtained knives from Amazon through inadequate age verification processes.

Concerns were raised about the ease with which minors could bypass age verification by providing adult details. Despite improvements in processes following the incident, Sir Adrian expressed disappointment that it took a tragedy to prompt changes in online weapon delivery regulations.

The report urged e-commerce platforms like Amazon to address deficiencies and enhance safety measures to prevent similar incidents.