Woolwich killer Michael Adebolajo 'attacked in jail'

[Anthea]

UPDATE

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said terrorism experts and specialist investigators had been called in to support the inquiry.

She said: "The force is taking this attack against the mosque very seriously and we have a major investigation under way.

Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.

Zahid Ali, cabinet member for public protection at Walsall Council, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder together as a community in support of the police.

"Walsall has really shown its mettle in coming together and responding with calm determination."

The Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Rev Clive Gregory, said he was "disturbed" by the discovery of the bomb at the mosque.

"It is a place where the hospitality and warm welcome I have received at meetings with other faith leaders remains fresh in my memory," he said.

"I am sure they will stand with me in condemning any sinister action against any part of our diverse but harmonious communities."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bi ... m-23026874

[Anthea]

BBC News

A mosque in Worcestershire has been broken into and graffiti including swastikas sprayed on to the walls.

The damage at Redditch Central Mosque in Jinnah Road was caused between 0200 BST and 0430 BST. Graffiti was sprayed over walls and at least six windows.

The intruders forced their way through a gate and broke into the main building. It is not yet known if anything was stolen.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are now guarding the site.

Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said that because of incidents "happening nationally", targeted patrols had been put in place.

He said they would now be "further increased" and police would not "tolerate mindless attacks of this nature".

Mr Purcell added: "For as long as I can remember the relationship between the Muslim community in Redditch, the police and the wider community would best be described as excellent."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-he ... r-23059542

[Anthea]

BBC News

Army in Clay Cross after suspected explosive device found. Fifty people have been evacuated after reports that an explosive device has been found in a Derbyshire town.


Several roads have been closed in Clay Cross and motorists have been urged to avoid the area

An army bomb disposal team has been called to Broadleys near Victoria Street in Clay Cross.

Residents were taken to the Sharley Park Leisure Centre in the early hours of Wednesday.

Several roads have been closed within 100m (328ft) of the scene. Derbyshire Police have urged motorists to avoid the area.

Residents say the inquiries relate to a Vauxhall Astra which is parked near Victoria Street.

Darren Murray, operations manager at local business SDL Minorfern, said: "We arrived at 07:00 BST to absolute pandemonium.

"There are police cars, vans and bomb disposal cars everywhere."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-de ... e-23058775

Anthea: This report is timed at less than 2 hours ago - 7.39am so as yet there are not many details - suspect connection to other anti-Islamic incidences or attacks on military - nothing further known

[Anthea]

Bomb scare incident was a hoax; two men arrested

A BOMB scare in Clay Cross this morning was a hoax, police have confirmed - with two men now in custody (updated 10.05am).

Derbyshire Police were called to Victoria Steet, Clay Cross, in the early hours amid reports of an explosive device in a parked car.

Around 50 houses were quickly evacuated, with residents moved to Sharley Park leisure centre or opting to stay with friends or family.

Victoria Street, Grundy Road and Pankhurst Place were evacuated.

A parked car was the focus of the incident, with a bomb disposal robot wheeled down towards it.

At 10am came the news the bomb scare was a false alarm.

A police spokeswoman said: "Derbyshire police can confirm no suspicious package has been found following an incident in the Clay Cross area.

"Police were called to Victoria Street at 2.25am today (Wednesday, June 26) to reports of a suspicious car.

"Officers arrived and arrested two men who were with the car. One of the men told police there was an explosive device inside the car.

"As a precaution homes in the area were evacuated and the army bomb disposal team were called to the scene.

"The car was thoroughly examined by experts and it was confirmed there were no explosive devices inside it. Police are treating the incident as a hoax.

"The two men remain in police custody and will be questioned later today.

"Residents will shortly be allowed back into their homes and roads will be reopened.

"We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this time."

Emma Henman, who lives in the sealed off street, was among those evacuated.

She said: "We just heard a big bang on the door and there were police everywhere.

"Nothing like this happens here - it's normally a quiet residential area.

"It was scary to think it might be a bomb."

Bosses at Derbyshire County Council were contacted by police and asked to open up the leisure centre for evacuees.

A spokeswoman for the authority said: "We set up a rest centre at the request of police. We had about 50 people evacuated into the centre. Others decided to go and stay with friends or family."

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Bomb- ... story.html

[Anthea]

Birmingham Mail

Police have arrested a man after a home-made explosive was found near a Walsall mosque.

The man, aged 75, was arrested at his home in Walsall at 4.30pm today (27 June) by officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or damage property.

A police spokesman said: "He has been taken to a police station in the West Midlands where he is being questioned by detectives.

"His home address is being searched as part of the investigation."

The arrest comes as part of a major investigation by specialist detectives and experts from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

The investigation into the home-made explosive began on Saturday, June 22, when police were called to reports of a suspicious item at the Aisha mosque in Rutter Street, Walsall.

Witnesses say that the device exploded outside the perimeter building on Friday night but not realising the significance of the “loud bang" , they did not report the matter to police.

The spokesman added: "It was only when a well-meaning member of the public recovered the debris and brought it inside the mosque the following day that were police contacted.

"A significant investigation was immediately launched."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101. Those who do not wish to speak with police officers directly should call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/lo ... ll-4727899

[Anthea]

BBC News

The body of Fusilier Lee Rigby will be escorted to his regiment's garrison church for a vigil later.



The Greater Manchester soldier, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London in May.

Drummers will escort the cortege to Bury Parish Church shortly after 16:00 BST, to be met by a guard of honour of 40 soldiers from his regiment and a service will be held for the family.

A full military funeral and private committal will take place on Friday.

The body of the 25-year-old, from Middleton, will be guarded overnight by members of his regiment.

'Country mourning'

Police and councils have designated "suitable roads" for members of the public to line once his body leaves the church after the funeral.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons, David Cameron said: "We should all pay tribute to drummer Lee Rigby for his service to our country.

"We should also pay tribute to his family, to all the pain and difficulty that they are going through, and I am sure it will be a very fitting service, a very moving service on Friday and the whole country will be mourning with them."

Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, east London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, are accused of Fusilier Rigby's murder.

Mr Adebolajo is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23259058

[Anthea]

BBC News

The prime minister and thousands of mourners have attended the military funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester.


Thousands lined the streets of Bury and Middleton to pay their respects to Fusilier Rigby

The 25-year-old soldier, from Middleton, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, in May.

His commanding officer Lt Col Jim Taylor said in a eulogy Lee had been "a true regimental character".

After the service his body was driven along roads lined by mourners for a private burial at Middleton Cemetery.

'Good people'

The soldier's family were greeted by applause as they arrived with his son wearing a T-shirt showing the words 'My Daddy My Hero'.

They have thanked people "across the world" for their "overwhelming support".

Fusilier Rigby's wife Rebecca said: "There are so many kind and generous people out there.

"It's just horrible that it takes something such as this to make you see how many good people there are."


Thousands applauded as a mark of respect as Lee Rigby's coffin was taken for a private burial, as Ed Thomas reports

Fusilier Rigby's body was guarded overnight during a vigil at the church by 32 members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The funeral service, which was relayed to those gathered outside, began with a silent tribute from the crowds in the streets around the church at about 11:00 BST.

Among those gathered were hundreds of serving and former soldiers in their regimental ties, blazers and caps, wearing their campaign medals.

They applauded the arrival of David Cameron who was accompanied by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

'Lighten the mood'

Inside the church, Fusilier Rigby was described as a "fantastic soldier" by his commanding officer.

Lt Col Jim Taylor of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said Lee was "larger than life [and] was always at the centre of fun and mischief, but he was a true regimental character with real charisma and everybody fell under his spell".

"To be with Lee was to be where it was most fun - the centre of good times and much mischief," he said.

"People fell quickly under his spell. Whether it was in work or off duty, at a ceremonial engagement or on operations, Lee just knew how to lighten the mood.

"He could brighten a room within moments and, by all accounts, clear a dancefloor in seconds if a Whitney Houston track was playing."

He added Fusilier Rigby had "a natural swagger and the confidence of someone truly comfortable in their own skin".

"He was always happy. His smile was infectious, as was his enthusiasm for soldiering and his passion for life."

He also spoke of Fusilier Rigby's military service and said he had "proved himself to be dedicated, professional and incredibly brave".

"His courage was tested every day. He was not found wanting."

The eulogy was met with applause inside and outside the church.

Military chaplain the Reverend Clare Callanan spoke of the impact of the soldier's death on the "hearts and minds of family, of friends and of a nation".

She said it was an event which had caused "outrage, horror, anger" but had also shown "the courage of individuals" and brought faiths together.



'Happy memories'

Asked before the funeral about how Fusilier Rigby would like to be remembered, Mrs Rigby said: "Lee always wanted his service to be a time that people would remember him and shed the tears, but then he always said a remembrance of his life.

"He wanted people to enjoy that and sit and talk about happy days and happy memories they have got of Lee and the things he used to do and say because he was always so full of life."

Stepfather Ian Rigby said: "I think today should be a celebration of Lee's life, what he has meant to us.

"Lee was a fun-loving lad and that is how he should be remembered."

As the funeral began, soldiers gathered outside Woolwich Barracks where Fusilier Rigby was killed and the Last Post, a call traditionally performed at military funerals, was played by a bugler.

The regular morning summer train service between Fort William and Mallaig, hauled by the steam loco 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier, also paused for two minutes on the Glenfinnan Viaduct as a mark of respect.

The engine is owned and run by Ian Riley, whose engineering works are on the East Lancs Railway in Bury.

Members of the public lined the route from Bury to Middleton on police and council-designated "suitable roads".

Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, east London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, are accused of Fusilier Rigby's murder.

Mr Adebolajo is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

Link & Videos:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23263754

[Anthea]

BBC News

Tipton mosque blast was 'terrorist attack', say police. An explosion which left nails and debris strewn outside a mosque was "an act of terrorism", police have said.


Residents were "terrified", said shopkeeper Sadarat Khan

The blast happened on a disused railway line near Binfield Street in Tipton in the West Midlands at about 13:00 BST.

A nearby shopkeeper said: "I did tell the police there to evacuate the area, please for god's sake - there were nails all over the place."

Counter terrorism officers were called in and the surrounding area was closed off for several hours.


Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann explains why he thinks the explosion was an act of terrorism

'Tipton Taliban' tag

The mosque is the central place of worship for Tipton's long-established Muslim community including three men from the area who were captured in Afghanistan in 2002 and taken to Guantanamo Bay.

Ruhal Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, both 22 at the time, and 26-year-old Shafiq Rasul were dubbed the "Tipton Taliban" and were held at the US camp in Cuba for two years.

Shopkeeper Sadarat Khan said he was coming out of a local chemist when he heard a "bomb blast".

"They [the police] didn't seem to be bothered too much... It took them about 40 minutes to evacuate the place," he said.

"People were terrified and very scared and shaken."

BBC reporters at the scene were told prayers at the mosque were usually held at 13:00, but had been moved back an hour because of Ramadan.

Resident Raja Khan was about 50m away when he heard the blast and said a device was found on a wall on the disused railway line at the back of the mosque.

He said: "A few kids came out shouting, 'bomb, bomb'. There were branches that came off trees all over the place."

He said he went to the mosque fearing there would be casualties.

"If it had been when prayers were going on there would've been 300 to 400 people there. There were about 22 to 25 people I think at the time.

"People are terrified for their kids, myself included."

Asst Ch Con Gareth Cann said whoever was responsible "wanted to cause serious harm".

"I can't say for sure it was directed at the mosque, but from what we've seen this seems to be the most likely option," he said.

Minor damage was caused to a window of a nearby house, he said.

A counter terrorism investigation has been started, the force confirmed.

It is understood the explosion centred on an embankment near a disused rail line running behind the mosque.

In a joint statement, the board of trustees and management committee of the Kanz Ul Iman Masjid mosque said: "We express our deep shock and utter dismay regarding the incident that has occurred this afternoon.

"On behalf of the local community, we condemn this senseless and mindless act. It's a blessing from God that thankfully no-one was injured in the blast.

'Day of funeral'

"We call for calm and strongly urge the community not to let this incident divide us and cause disharmony.

"We stand united, stand together in the aftermath of this mindless act."

Police lifted most of their cordons at about 21:00 BST but said Binfield Street was likely to remain closed overnight on Friday.

Officers gave bottles of water to residents with young children who gathered along Dudley Port in Tipton during the afternoon.


Witness Sadarat Khan: "I heard a big blast. There were nails all over the place"

Local councillor Ian Jones said he was "very shocked" by what had happened.

He told BBC WM it could not "go unnoticed" that the incident happened on the same day of the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was killed in Woolwich in May.

Councillor Syeda Amina Khatun said she was not aware of any previous attacks on the mosque.

"The whole estate has been blocked off. People are surprised that something like this has happened," she said.

West Midlands Police are still investigating an explosion which occurred near a mosque in Caldmore in Walsall last month.

About 150 people were evacuated from homes near the Aisha Mosque and Islamic Centre after a device was found in a nearby alley.

Mr Cann told the media there was nothing to suggest a link between this incident and what occurred in Tipton.

Link & Videos:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bi ... m-23291268

[Anthea]

BBC News

Police are investigating after one of the two men accused of murdering Fusilier Lee Rigby outside Woolwich barracks in May alleged he had been assaulted in Belmarsh prison.



It is understood Michael Adebolajo, of Romford, east London, lost two front teeth in Wednesday's alleged attack.

No arrests have been made.

The Old Bailey trial of Mr Adebolajo, 28, and co-accused, Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, has been set for 18 November.

Mr Adebolajo is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "The police are investigating an incident that took place at HMP Belmarsh on 17 July.

"It would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation was ongoing."

Prime Minister David Cameron joined thousands of mourners at Fusilier Rigby's military funeral at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester on Friday.

The 25-year-old soldier's commanding officer, Lt Col Jim Taylor, said in a eulogy he was "larger than life [and] was always at the centre of fun and mischief, but he was a true regimental character with real charisma and everybody fell under his spell".

After the service, his body was driven along roads lined by mourners for a private burial at Middleton Cemetery.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23367877