Man Launches Petrol Bomb Attack at Dover Immigration Centre
A man drove up to a Home Office immigration centre in Dover and hurled three petrol bombs before taking his own life at a nearby filling station.
Fire Blazes, Minor Injuries Reported
The blaze on The Viaduct was extinguished by 11:25am GMT, Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed. Police say one minor injury was reported. The suspect has been identified, but the circumstances around his death remain under investigation.
Emergency Services Swarm Scene
Officers were called at 11:22am after two to three incendiary devices were thrown into the immigration premises. Scenes of carnage and chaos unfolded as smoke rose “like a war zone,” said an eyewitness. Police, fire crews, and the Army all responded and have placed a cordon around Shakespeare Beach and the Jet Foil immigration centre.
Local MP Calls for Action Amid Rising Tensions
Conservative MP Nathalie Elphicke condemned the attack as “shocking and appalling.” She warned that tensions have been mounting with the increasing number of migrants arriving in Dover, a busy and open port.
“I have expressed concerns to the immigration minister about the security of the Dover centre. This is not an appropriate location for a migrant reception centre,” Elphicke said.
Home Office Minister Robert Jenrick is being kept updated by Kent Police as investigations continue. The police cordon remains in place until the area is declared safe.
