Hero dance teacher left fighting for life after shielding children during Southport attack gives first interview

A dance teacher injured in the Southport knife attack that left three girls dead has given her first interview since the stabbing.

Leanne Lucas was overseeing a Taylor Swift-themed dance class and suffered serious wounds trying to protect the children in the attack.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, of Banks, Lancashire, has appeared in court accused of murdering three children in the attack.

He appeared via video link for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court last Wednesday but was not asked to enter any pleas to the 16 charges he faces.

The defendant is charged with three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder and possession of a knife over the 29 July attack.