Axel Rudakubana appeared, aged 11, as Doctor Who character in 2018 advert for BBC Children in Need

The BBC has removed a 2018 Children in Need campaign video from its websites after it emerged that it featured a teenager accused of murdering three girls in Southport. It is understood that he was contracted by the BBC for the campaign video through a casting agency.

In the now-deleted clip based on the Doctor Who TV series, Axel Rudakubana is seen leaving the Tardis dressed as the Doctor, wearing a trenchcoat and tie in the style of the show’s former star David Tennant.

Boys aged 14 to 18 face charges including attempted murder after disorder earlier in week

Police have charged seven people following violence and disorder on the Southend seafront earlier this week.

Officers were called to reports of people carrying weapons on the seafront on Tuesday evening, Essex police said.

A 16-year-old boy from Canning Town, charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon in a public place, and violent disorder.

A 14-year-old boy from Pitsea charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 16-year-old boy from Shadwell charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Mekai Brown, 18, of Woodford, charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Watford, charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Michael King, 18, of South Woodford, charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

A 17-year-old boy from Stratford charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.