Incendiary Attack at Dover Home Office Centre Sparks Terror Probe
Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) has taken over the investigation from Kent Police after a man hurled crude incendiary devices at a Home Office centre in Dover on Sunday, 30 October.
Man Found Dead in Car After Violent Incident
The attack happened around 11.20am when a lone suspect arrived in a car and threw makeshift firebombs outside and into the building. Police swiftly found the suspect’s vehicle nearby, where the man, later identified as 66-year-old Andrew Leak from High Wycombe, was found dead inside.
Two staff members inside the immigration centre suffered minor injuries during the ordeal.
Search in High Wycombe Uncovers Crucial Evidence
Following the incident, officers executed a search warrant at a High Wycombe property on Monday 31 October, seizing several digital devices now under urgent examination. Investigators believe specialist counter-terrorism teams are best equipped to determine the motive behind the attack.
Police say there’s no evidence that Leak acted with others or that the incident signals any ongoing threat to the communities in Dover or High Wycombe.
Detective Chief Superintendent Speaks Out
“This was a traumatic incident for everyone involved, and the wider community, and we’re working hard to establish exactly what led to the events on Sunday morning,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE. “While counter-terrorism officers are involved, there is nothing to suggest any ongoing wider threat at this time. The attack appears to be a targeted, hate-fuelled grievance but may not meet the threshold of terrorism. The incident has not been officially declared terrorist but remains under careful review as the investigation continues.”
Public Appeal for Information
The probe is ongoing. Anyone with information or footage is urged to visit the Major Incident Public Portal to assist police.
