A new offence to cover lone individuals planning non-terrorist mass killings should be considered in the wake of the Southport attacks, the UK's terror watchdog has said.

The terrorism definition should not be changed in the wake of the Southport murders - but a new offence to address the gap for lone individuals planning mass killings should be considered, the UK's terror watchdog has said.

Jonathan Hall KC said it was "horrifying" officers couldn't intervene despite knowing Rudakubana planned mass killings.

Jonathan Hall KC warned against expanding the definition of terrorism, instead calling for a new criminal offence targeting loners who plot mass killings like Axel Rudakubana and Nicholas Prosper

Review warns changing definition could lead to 'unacceptable' restrictions on freedom of expression and says new law is needed instead

A gap in the law prevented the Southport killer being arrested before he carried out the horrific attack last summer, a watchdog has said. The UK's terror watchdog have recommended the creation of a new offence to target loners planning mass killings.