The lawyer representing the families of three girls murdered by Axel Rudakubana have accused the Southport killer of trying to “manipulate the system” after he was transferred from prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital.

Rudakubana was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed officials approved the transfer to Broadmoor on behalf of ministers, but a spokesperson for the department stressed it does not alter the killer’s 52-year sentence.

Offenders who present an increased risk, and cannot be managed safely in a prison environment because of mental health disorders, can be moved to secure psychiatric units. People in these units are treated as patients rather than prisoners.

Chris Walker, of Bond Turner, who is representing the three bereaved Southport families, said in a statement: “The three families we represent have been made aware of this development in the last 48 hours and it is safe to say that whilst this news would devastate them at any time, the fact that this has occurred as we approach the second anniversary in our view is another move by AR who would appear to be attempting, once again, to manipulate the system.

“We have been given the barest of details and whilst we are supporting the families through this we are urgently seeking a meeting with the appropriate authorities to understand the situation before commenting further.”

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