The firebomb attack on an immigration centre in Dover is not being treated as a terrorist incident, the Home Secretary has said.
Devices were thrown at the Border Force migrant centre in the Kent port town at around 11.20am on Sunday.
Kent Police said the suspect, who was later found dead at a nearby petrol station, was 66 years old and from the High Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire. His name has not been released.
Police were searching a property in High Wycombe in connection with the incident on Monday.
Making a statement in the Commons on Monday evening, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said about the incident at Western Jet Foil on Sunday: “Officers established that two to three incendiary devices had been thrown at the Home Office premises.
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“The suspect was identified, quickly located at a nearby petrol station and confirmed dead. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit attended to ensure there were no further threats. Kent Police are not currently treating this as a terrorist incident.
“Fortunately, there were only two minor injuries. But this is a shocking incident. And my thoughts are with all of those who are affected. I have received regular updates from the police. While I understand the desire for answers, investigators must have the necessary space to work.”
The Home Secretary also addressed issues over conditions in migrant holding facilities.
Earlier in the day, Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale described the overcrowding at the Manston facility in his North Thanet constituency as “wholly unacceptable” and suggested it may have been allowed to happen “deliberately”.
Speaking in the Commons Ms Braverman added: "The Home Secretary has said the Government has a “duty” to “ensure that anyone who has entered our country illegally undergoes essential security checks”.
Suella Braverman told MPs: “Several hundred migrants were relocated to Manston yesterday to ensure their safety. Western Jet Foil is now fully operational again.
“I can also inform the House that my right honourable friend, the minister for immigration, visited the Manston site yesterday, and that I will visit shortly.
“My right honourable friend was reassured by the dedication of staff as they work to make this site safe and secure while suitable onward accommodation is found. As members will be aware, we need to meet our statutory duties around detention and also fulfil legal duties to provide accommodation for those who would otherwise be destitute.
“We also have a duty to the wider public to ensure that anyone who has entered our country illegally undergoes essential security checks and is not immediately free to wander around local communities with no fixed abode.”
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