A two-step identification system will be mandated for all retailers that sell knives online, the British government has confirmed.

It comes in the wake of the Southport attack last July, when Axel Rudakubana killed three young girls with a knife he bought on Amazon at the age of 17.

These stricter age verification checks will require customers to submit photo ID at point of sale and again on delivery. 

There will also be a ban on doorstep drops, with delivery companies only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it. 

Under the new measures, a customer may need to submit a copy of photo ID – such as a driver’s licence or passport – as well as proof of address such as a utility bill, before showing ID again on delivery.

 Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “It’s a total disgrace how easy it still is for children to get dangerous weapons online. 

“More than two years after Ronan Kanda was killed with a ninja sword bought by a teenager online, too many retailers still don’t have proper checks in place. 

“It’s too easy to put in false birth dates, parcels are too often being dropped off at a doorstop with no questions asked. 

“We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks – before you buy, before it’s delivered.”

Government engaging with Southport families ahead of Prevent learning review

The government is engaging with the families of the Southport attack victims ahead of a Prevent review into its dealings with Axel Rudakubana, Downing Street has said.

The Sunday Times reported at the weekend that the Prevent learning review will criticise counter-terrorism officers for failing to properly take into account Rudakubana’s obsession with extreme violence when it is released.

The 18-year-old was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years last week – one of the highest minimum terms on record – for murdering Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

He also attempted to murder eight other children as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Asked whether the review will be published this week, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “You’ll recognise that the families of the victims of the terrible attack have a significant amount to absorb after such a traumatic week.

“We’re fully committed to publishing the findings from the Prevent learning review as soon as possible, but we’re taking time to engage with the families, to consider their views.”