Dover migrant centre attack driven by right-wing ideology – police
According to investigators, the firebombing of an immigration processing facility was inspired by radical right-wing terrorism.
Last Sunday, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire resident Andrew Leak, 66, launched up to three incendiary explosives at the Dover, Kent, location.
He is said to have afterwards committed suicide.
Evidence, according to Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), demonstrated that it was “motivated by a terrorist ideology.”
“After evaluating the information gathered thus far, while there are clear indicators that mental health was likely a part, I am confident that the suspect’s actions were largely motivated by an extremist ideology,” said Tim Jacques, senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing.
“This event satisfies the criteria for terrorism.”
CPTSE verified that Leak was unknown to the anti-terrorism police prior to the incident. It is thought that the security services were also unaware of him.
Anti-Muslim attitudes were reportedly present on a now-deleted Facebook account under Leak’s name.
Yvette Cooper, a shadow home secretary, tweeted: “Very worrying that this attack was motivated by far-right extremism.
“I continue to be worried that the counter-terror police waited so long to take the lead on this matter, something I asked the Home Secretary to pursue on Monday,” the author said.
“Extreme caution must be taken in the event of any terrorist or extremist assaults.
The Home Office has chosen not to respond.
Police were contacted at 11:22 GMT on Sunday morning, leaving two center employees with minor injuries.
Approximately 700 refugees were relocated from Dover to the processing center in Manston as a result of the attack, despite the overcrowding there having previously drawn harsh criticism from government inspectors.
In a statement released by the police on Saturday, it was said that “a number of key witnesses have been interviewed throughout the investigation and a number of objects of interest, including digital media devices, have been found.”
“Evidence from examining these items suggests there was an extreme right-wing motivation behind the attack.”
According to the police, there is no evidence that Leak has been working with anybody else and there is not thought to be a larger threat to the public.
They said that work on behalf of the coroner was being done as part of the continuing inquiry.
At County Hall in Maidstone, an inquest into Leak’s passing is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
source:nsemwokrom.com
