Attack at Dover immigration centre - investigative update

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), who have been working with Kent Police since the initial notification of this incident, have recovered evidence that indicates the attack at an immigration centre in Dover on Sunday 30 October 2022, was motivated by a terrorist ideology.

During the attack, a number of crude incendiary devices were thrown outside the premises by a man who arrived at the scene alone in a car.

A number of significant witnesses have been spoken to during the course of the investigation and a number of items of interest have been recovered, including digital media devices. Evidence from examining these items suggests there was an extreme right wing motivation behind the attack.

There is currently nothing to suggest the offender was working alongside anyone else and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing, including work being carried out on behalf of His Majesty’s Coroner.

Tim Jacques, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said:

“This was clearly a very worrying incident and although nobody was seriously hurt, two people did sustain minor injuries.

“Increasingly in counter terrorism casework, across all ideologies, we are seeing individuals who have mental health concerns and a hateful mind-set.

“Assessing when this crosses the terrorism threshold is a complex process and needs to be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. These decisions need to be determined by the facts, as far as they can be established at any given time.

“After considering the evidence collected so far in this case, whilst there are strong indications that mental health was likely a factor, I am satisfied that the suspect’s actions were primarily driven by an extremist ideology. This meets the threshold for a terrorist incident.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to go to the Major Incident Public Portal. Footage and pictures relating to this incident can also be uploaded here.

ENDS

Notes to editors

We will not be offering a spokesperson for interview in relation to this incident and will not be facilitating interview requests.