Counter Terrorism Police Take Charge After Dover Firebomb Attack
Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) have stepped in to lead the probe into a terrifying firebomb incident at a Home Office immigration centre in Dover. The attack happened at around 11.20am on Sunday, 30 October, when a man reportedly hurled crude incendiary devices both outside and inside the building.
Suspect Found Dead in Car Near Scene
The suspect, later identified as 66-year-old Andrew Leak from High Wycombe, was found dead in his car close to the centre. Two staff members suffered minor injuries during the incident. Police swiftly located his vehicle following the attack.
Search Warrant Hits Leak’s Home in High Wycombe
On Monday 31 October, officers executed a search warrant at Leak’s Buckinghamshire home. They seized various items of interest, including digital devices now under urgent examination. Given the sensitive evidence, specialist officers with counter-terrorism experience are handling the investigation.
No Wider Threat to Public, Police Confirm
Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: “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.
“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. At this point, the incident itself has not been declared a terrorist incident, but this is being kept under review as the investigation progresses.”
Police say there is no indication Leak acted with anyone else. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information or footage to report via the Major Incident Public Portal or upload images and videos at the Police Image Appeal.
