Andrew Leak, 66, from High Wycombejogou, England, launched three incendiary devices at the scene in Dover last Sunday (31/10).
British police said the attack on an immigration processing center was motivated by far-right terrorist ideology.
Andrew Leak, 66, from High Wycombejogou, England, launched three incendiary devices at the scene in Dover last Sunday (31/10).
It is believed that he later took his own life.
The Southeastern Counter-Terrorism Police (CTPSE) said evidence showed the attack was “motivated by a terrorist ideology”.
Tim Jacques, Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Policing, said: “After evaluating the evidence gathered so far, I am convinced that while there is strong evidence that mental health is likely a factor, the suspect’s actions were primarily motivated by an extremist ideology.
“This fits the criteria for a terrorist incident.”
CPTSE confirmed that before the attack, counter-terrorism police did not know about the leak. It was understood that he was not recognized by the security units.
Anti-Muslim posts appeared on a now-deleted Facebook account apparently in Leak’s name.
Labor MP Yvette Cooper said on Twitter, “It’s very serious that far-right extremism is fueling this attack. I’m concerned it’s taken so long for the counter-terrorism police to lead this case. There should be more vigilance against potential terrorist attacks or extremists.”
Two staff members at the immigration center were slightly injured when the police were called at 11:22 am (local time) on Sunday morning.
After the attack, about 700 migrants from Dover were transferred to the processing center in Manston, where the overcrowded conditions were severely criticized by government investigators.
A police statement on Saturday said: “During the investigation, several key witnesses were heard and several items of interest were seized, including digital media devices. Evidence from an examination of these items suggests a far-right motivation behind the attack”.
Police added that there was nothing to indicate that Leak was working with someone else and that he was not believed to be a greater threat to the public.
They said the investigation is continuing.
An investigation into Leak’s death is expected to open on Tuesday.
– This text was published at https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/internacional-63529189.
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source: Noticias
