Andrew Leak carried out a “despicable” firebomb attack at a migrant centre before he was found dead.
Image source, Reuters/Peter NichollsCounter-terrorism police have taken on the investigation into a firebomb attack at a Dover immigration centre.
Two or three devices – described as petrol bombs by a witness – were thrown by a man later found dead at a nearby petrol station on Sunday.
Police who identified the man as Andrew Leak, 66, from High Wycombe, said it was likely the attack was sparked by “some form of hate filled grievance”.
A search warrant at a property found “a number of items of interest”.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East Ch Supt Olly Wright said there was nothing to suggest the man was working alongside anyone else, and there was no wider community threat.
He said: “We understand that when Counter Terrorism Policing become involved, it can be worrying for some people, but I would like to reassure people that there is nothing to suggest any ongoing wider threat at this time.
“What appears clear is that this despicable offence was targeted and likely to be driven by some form of hate filled grievance, though this may not necessarily meet the threshold of terrorism.”
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He added that at this point the incident had not been declared a terrorist incident but it was being kept under review.
Investigators said the items of interest found at the property in High Wycombe included digital media devices which were being examined.
A photographer with Reuters news agency who witnessed the incident reported the man had thrown petrol bombs with fireworks attached before taking his own life.
Two members of staff working inside the immigration centre sustained minor injuries.
During a speech in the House of Commons on Monday, Home Secretary Suella Braverman described the attack as “shocking” and confirmed the migrant centre was now fully operational.
