THE “shocking” incident at a new Border Force immigration centre in Dover is not being treated as a terrorist incident, Suella Braverman has said.
Petrol bombs were thrown at the migrant centre in Dover on Sunday morning. Kent Police were called at 11.22am on Sunday to The Viaduct, where two to three incendiary devices had caused a fire.
A 66-year-old male suspect was identified and located at a nearby petrol station where he was confirmed dead, police said. He is believed to be from the High Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire.
Making a statement in the Commons, the Home Secretary 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.
“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 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit attended the location to ensure there were no further threats and another device was found and confirmed safe within the suspect’s vehicle, police said.
Two people inside the centre reported minor injuries and the site remained open, although 700 people were moved to Manston asylum processing centre in Kent for safety reasons during the initial stage of the investigation, police said.
A Reuters photographer said a man threw petrol bombs with fireworks attached before killing himself.
The attacker was described as a white man wearing a striped top, who drove up to the centre in a white Seat four-wheel drive vehicle, the agency reported.
A local MP later said the individual had taken their own life.
By the afternoon the scene had been cordoned off and forensic teams were working in the area.
The incident came after almost 1000 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on Saturday.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said in a tweet on Sunday that he had visited Manston amid growing concerns about its poor conditions.
The allegedly overcrowded facility left Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration David Neal “speechless” earlier this week.
Neal told MPs that Manston was originally meant to hold between 1000 and 1600 people but there were 2800 at the site when he visited on Monday, with more arriving.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident at Western Jet Foil, Dover, and police are in attendance.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its crews had put out fires.
Natalie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover, said she was “deeply shocked”.
She later told LBC radio: “I understand that the Dover immigration centre that is at the Port of Dover was firebombed with a number of devices, before an individual then committed suicide.”
She said the motivation of the perpetrator is so far unknown, but the centre is “a well-known facility” where small boats arrive before people are taken to the Manston.
“It’s an absolutely dreadful situation that we have now at Dover,” she added.
“I understand that all the people who are at the centre are being looked after and precautions are being made for their safety.”
Elphicke also said: “I think it is fair to say that tensions have been running high over the last period.
“And indeed, I’d raised my concerns about that with the immigration minister earlier this week.”
Home Secretary Braverman tweeted: “There was a distressing incident in Dover earlier today.
“I am receiving regular updates on the situation.
“My thoughts are with those affected, the tireless Home Office staff and police responding.
“We must now support those officers as they carry out their investigation.”
