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Policeman killed during terror raid
A police officer has been stabbed to death and four others have been injured during a counter terrorism operation in Manchester. Police were trying to arrest a man in an operation linked to the discovery of the deadly poison ricin in London last week when they were attacked. The 40-year-old plain-clothed special branch officer was stabbed in the chest and died soon afterwards in hospital. Three suspects were arrested at the upper floor flat in Crumpsall, in the north of the city, just before 1800 GMT on Tuesday. One is being questioned on suspicion of murder. Prime Minister Tony Blair and Home Secretary David Blunkett have condemned the killing. Of the four other officers injured, three were stabbed and one suffered a broken ankle, but their injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Chief Constable Michael Todd, from Greater Manchester Police, told BBC News that, during the course of the search, one of the suspects had got free and had managed to equip himself with a kitchen knife. He said: "He attempted to attack the officers. "The special branch officers who did not have vests on, because they were there to gather intelligence, went to assist. "Three were stabbed and sadly a 40-year-old father of three has died as a result of that." Sad tributes Mr Todd said the raid was "in connection" with the ricin investigation but stressed there was no suggestion of ricin on the premises. Forensic experts are at the scene The operation was led by a number of officers from the tactical aid unit, who were wearing protective equipment, supported by special branch officers. They had been inside the flat for around an hour when the incident took place. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green paid tribute to the detective constable who died and has not yet been named. "We have lost a colleague and many people have lost a friend,"he said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the officer who has been killed". The three arrested men are thought to be of North African origin. One was arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 and two others under post 11 September anti-terrorist legislation. One of the men is being transferred to a central London police station where he will be interviewed by Metropolitan police anti-terrorist branch officers. Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "It is an appalling tragedy and wicked in the extreme." Home Secretary David Blunkett added: "My thoughts are with all of those injured and my deepest condolences go out to the families of the officer who was killed". The four officers in hospital are aged between 34 and 42. The junction of Crumpsall Lane and Middleton Road has been closed to traffic. Posted by: Guest reader 2003-01-14 |
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