Taxi Driver Faces Investigation Over Delay Reporting Southport Shooting

A taxi driver who waited **50 minutes** to report a shooting incident in Southport will be investigated by Sefton Council for his actions during the emergency. Gary Poland, who was present at the scene of a tragic attack on July 29, 2022, is under scrutiny for the appropriateness of his behavior following the event, which left three children dead.

During the ongoing inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall, Mr. Poland recounted the chaotic moments he witnessed. After hearing “four or five gunshots” and seeing children “stampede for their lives” from the Hart Space venue, he drove away instead of immediately contacting emergency services. It was only after picking up another fare and returning home that he finally called **999** to provide information about the shooter, identified only as **AR**, who is actually **Axel Rudakubana**.

The inquiry revealed that Rudakubana targeted a **Taylor Swift-themed dance party**, killing **seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe**, **six-year-old Bebe King**, and **nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar**, while attempting to murder ten others. Mr. Poland’s delay in reporting the incident raised serious questions about his responsibilities as a taxi driver.

Inquiry Highlights Driver’s Decision-Making

Sefton Council’s head of taxi licenses, **Mark Toohey**, testified about Mr. Poland’s actions. He confirmed that Mr. Poland should have called emergency services as soon as it was safe to do so. When asked whether Mr. Poland was in a unique position to assist police due to his previous interaction with Rudakubana, Mr. Toohey agreed, stating that the driver’s decision to wait was contrary to guidance provided in a handbook issued to all taxi drivers in the area.

The inquiry’s junior counsel, **Richard Boyle**, pressed Mr. Toohey on whether Mr. Poland’s behavior constituted “inappropriate conduct.” Mr. Toohey stated that it warranted further investigation. He clarified that any decisions regarding Mr. Poland’s future as a taxi driver would involve a licensing panel and allow Mr. Poland the opportunity to present his case.

Mr. Poland defended his actions, emphasizing his experience as a taxi driver for **27 years**. He expressed regret over the delay, stating, “I should have checked on the welfare of the children and helped.” He described the children’s screams as “harrowing” and acknowledged that he thinks about his inaction every day.

Company Manager Shares Expectations

**Liam Rice**, general manager of One Call Taxis, also provided testimony during the inquiry. He affirmed that any driver witnessing such extreme violence should have called **999** immediately after reaching a safe location. However, Mr. Rice admitted that he was unaware of some details regarding Mr. Poland’s report to the police until the inquiry commenced.

The inquiry revealed that Mr. Poland had unknowingly accepted a fare after the attack, during which he encountered a police vehicle responding to the scene. He later reflected on the incident, saying, “I regret not helping the children… it is something I think about every day.”

Despite the investigation into Mr. Poland’s actions, the inquiry noted that his delay did not impact the response time from police and ambulance services, as dance teacher **Leanne Lucas** had already called **999**.

Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of **52 years** in January at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to the murders and attempted murders. **Sir Adrian Fulford**, chairman of the inquiry, emphasized the importance of identifying necessary changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The first phase of the inquiry is expected to continue until **November** as officials seek to uncover the full scope of events surrounding the incident and ensure accountability for all involved.