Forest Gate raid: Difference between revisions
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The '''2 June 2006 London terror raid''' saw the arrest of two men at their east [[London]] homes by police acting on [[Intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]] that they might be [[terrorist]]s in possession of a [[chemical weapon|chemical bomb]]. One of the men was accidentally [[gunshot wound|shot]] during the raid, but the subsequent [[inquiry|inquiries]] cleared the officers involved of any wrong-doing. No explosive devices were found during the raid. |
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==The raid== |
==The raid== |
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Early on Friday, [[ |
Early on Friday, [[2 June]] [[2006]], police raided two houses on Landsdown Road, [[Forest Gate]], [[London]], acting on intelligence that there was a [[Chemical weapon#Chemical weapons and terrorism|chemical weapon]] located at the premises<REF NAME="BBC1">{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-03]] | title = Raid police hunt chemical device | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5042724.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>. Under the authority of the [[Terrorism Act 2000|Terrorism Act]], they arrested Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23 and Abdul Koyair, 20, who were brothers<REF NAME="bbc2">{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-05]] | title = Police await shot terror suspect | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5047200.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>. During the raid, Kahar was shot in the shoulder (some sources mention "chest"<REF>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-13]] | title = Reaction to raid brothers' claims | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5076206.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-07-15}}</ref> based on Mr Kahar's comment of "There was blood coming down my chest."<REF>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-13]] | title = Raid brother tells of death fears | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5075352.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-07-15}}</ref>) by the police and was taken to the [[Royal London Hospital]]. Initial press rumors suggested that he had been shot by his brother<REF NAME="BBC-shooting-questioned">{{cite news | date = [[2006-06-04]] | title = Police terror shooting questioned | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5045104.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-30}}</ref>, but the police later stated that the shot had been fired accidentally by the armed officer leading the operation<REF NAME="times1">{{cite news | date = [[2006-06-05]] | title = Terror raid shooting accidental, say police | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,29389-2211260,00.html | format = HTML | publisher = The Times | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>. 250 police officers were involved in the raid<REF NAME="Guardian Unlimited">{{cite news | date = [[2006-06-04]] | title = Men in gas masks, a broken window, then a single shot | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,1789606,00.html | format = HTML | publisher = The Guardian | accessdate = 2006-06-13}}</ref>. |
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In the same raid, an unnamed and unrelated family, renting a neighbouring terraced house from the father of the two arrested men, was also raided in conditions that have been described by their lawyer as "as lawless as the wild west"<REF NAME=guardian1>{{cite news | author = Audrey Gillan and Hugh Muir | date = [[2006-06-05]] | title = |
In the same raid, an unnamed and unrelated family, renting a neighbouring terraced house from the father of the two arrested men, was also raided in conditions that have been described by their lawyer as "as lawless as the wild west"<REF NAME=guardian1>{{cite news | author = Audrey Gillan and Hugh Muir | date = [[2006-06-05]] | title = |
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Nearby roads were closed to the public for several days whilst investigations were carried out<REF Name="Times2">{{cite news | date = [[2006-06-03]] | author = Rajeev Syal and Sean O'Neill | title = Police struck rapidly after chillingly precise tip-off | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2209032,00.html | format = HTML | publisher = The Times | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>, and a prohibition on aircraft flying below 2,500ft was imposed on the area<REF NAME="BBC1">{{cite web | title = Raid police hunt chemical device | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5042724.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>. |
Nearby roads were closed to the public for several days whilst investigations were carried out<REF Name="Times2">{{cite news | date = [[2006-06-03]] | author = Rajeev Syal and Sean O'Neill | title = Police struck rapidly after chillingly precise tip-off | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2209032,00.html | format = HTML | publisher = The Times | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>, and a prohibition on aircraft flying below 2,500ft was imposed on the area<REF NAME="BBC1">{{cite web | title = Raid police hunt chemical device | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5042724.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref>. |
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However, no chemical materials were found<REF NAME="bbc3">{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-07]] | title = House raid police had 'no choice' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5049800.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref> and the two brothers were released without charge in the evening of |
However, no chemical materials were found<REF NAME="bbc3">{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-07]] | title = House raid police had 'no choice' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5049800.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-07}}</ref> and the two brothers were released without charge in the evening of [[9 June]]<ref name="bbc4>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-10]] | title = Two held in terror raid released | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5066166.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-10}}</ref>. After the two men gave a press conference on June 13, the Metropolitan Police apologised for the "hurt" caused<REF NAME="BBC News">{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-13]] | title = Raid police apologise for 'hurt' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5077198.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-06-13}}</ref>. |
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==Protests== |
==Protests== |
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The shooting was referred to [[Independent Police Complaints Commission]],<REF name=ipcc1>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-02]] | title = IPCC to Investigate Forest Gate Firearms Incident | url = http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr020606_forest | format = HTML | publisher = Independent Police Complaints Commission | accessdate = 2006-06-11}}</ref> who have prepared a leaflet about its enquiry for distribution to homes and other locations in the area.<REF name=ipcc2>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-08]] | title = Independent Police Complaints Commission Update Leaflet for East London Residents| url = http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr080606_forest | format = HTML | publisher = Independent Police Complaints Commission | accessdate = 2006-06-11}}</ref> On [[10 July]] [[2006]], the IPCC confirmed that there would be a second inquiry regarding claims made by neighbours of the house raided.<REF name=ipcc3>{{cite web | date = [[2006-07-10]] | title = Second inquiry into terror raid | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5164748.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-07-10}}</ref> |
The shooting was referred to [[Independent Police Complaints Commission]],<REF name=ipcc1>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-02]] | title = IPCC to Investigate Forest Gate Firearms Incident | url = http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr020606_forest | format = HTML | publisher = Independent Police Complaints Commission | accessdate = 2006-06-11}}</ref> who have prepared a leaflet about its enquiry for distribution to homes and other locations in the area.<REF name=ipcc2>{{cite web | date = [[2006-06-08]] | title = Independent Police Complaints Commission Update Leaflet for East London Residents| url = http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr080606_forest | format = HTML | publisher = Independent Police Complaints Commission | accessdate = 2006-06-11}}</ref> On [[10 July]] [[2006]], the IPCC confirmed that there would be a second inquiry regarding claims made by neighbours of the house raided.<REF name=ipcc3>{{cite web | date = [[2006-07-10]] | title = Second inquiry into terror raid | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5164748.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-07-10}}</ref> |
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On [[3 August]] [[2006]], the Independent Police Complaints concluded that the shooting was an "accident". They said that based on forensic evidence, "there is no evidence of intent or recklessness on the part of the firearms officer and that no offence was committed in the firing of the weapon." Scotland Yard released a statement saying it regretted that an accidental discharge had caused injury. |
On [[3 August]] [[2006]], the Independent Police Complaints Commission concluded that the shooting was an "accident". They said that based on forensic evidence, "there is no evidence of intent or recklessness on the part of the firearms officer and that no offence was committed in the firing of the weapon." Scotland Yard released a statement saying it regretted that an accidental discharge had caused injury. |
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It also emerged on [[3 August]] that Mohammed Abdul Kahar had been arrested by police on suspicion of making [[child pornography|pornographic pictures of children]], and was in custody at a London police station.<ref>{{cite news | date = [[2006-08-03]] | author = | title = Terror raid shooting 'accidental' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5242564.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-08-03}}</ref> |
It also emerged on [[3 August]] that Mohammed Abdul Kahar had been arrested by police on suspicion of making [[child pornography|pornographic pictures of children]], and was in custody at a London police station.<ref>{{cite news | date = [[2006-08-03]] | author = | title = Terror raid shooting 'accidental' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5242564.stm | format = HTML | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2006-08-03}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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Revision as of 14:50, 3 August 2006
The 2 June 2006 London terror raid saw the arrest of two men at their east London homes by police acting on intelligence that they might be terrorists in possession of a chemical bomb. One of the men was accidentally shot during the raid, but the subsequent inquiries cleared the officers involved of any wrong-doing. No explosive devices were found during the raid.
The raid
Early on Friday, 2 June 2006, police raided two houses on Landsdown Road, Forest Gate, London, acting on intelligence that there was a chemical weapon located at the premises[1]. Under the authority of the Terrorism Act, they arrested Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23 and Abdul Koyair, 20, who were brothers[2]. During the raid, Kahar was shot in the shoulder (some sources mention "chest"[3] based on Mr Kahar's comment of "There was blood coming down my chest."[4]) by the police and was taken to the Royal London Hospital. Initial press rumors suggested that he had been shot by his brother[5], but the police later stated that the shot had been fired accidentally by the armed officer leading the operation[6]. 250 police officers were involved in the raid[7].
In the same raid, an unnamed and unrelated family, renting a neighbouring terraced house from the father of the two arrested men, was also raided in conditions that have been described by their lawyer as "as lawless as the wild west"[8].
Nearby roads were closed to the public for several days whilst investigations were carried out[9], and a prohibition on aircraft flying below 2,500ft was imposed on the area[1]. However, no chemical materials were found[10] and the two brothers were released without charge in the evening of 9 June[11]. After the two men gave a press conference on June 13, the Metropolitan Police apologised for the "hurt" caused[12].
Protests
Protests by Muslim groups were held outside Scotland Yard on Friday June 9 [13][14] and on Sunday 11 June, where a sister of those arrested said that she hoped that the protests would "highlight the fact no other innocent family should be forced to go through the same nightmare".[15]
Reactions
Reactions to the raid were mixed. Scotland Yard's Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman said that they had "no choice but to act"[10] but also apologised for the "disruption and inconvenience" the raid caused.[16] The Muslim Council of Britain welcomed the releases, but hoped "lessons would be learned". [17]
Prime Minister, Tony Blair supported the police "101%", saying that "You can only imagine if they fail to take action and something terrible happened what outcry would be then, so they are in an impossible situation."[18] The prime minister also defended Police chief Ian Blair, when several papers called on him to resign over the raid.[19] A solicitor for the two men said that they plan to sue the Metropolitan Police,[20] for a figure which lawyers estimate could be as high as £500,000,[21] but at a press conference on 13 June 2006 Abdul Kahar said that suing the police was "not even in our heads", and they were more interested in an apology.[12] As of 21 July 2006, he had not yet returned to the house. [22]
Inquiries
The shooting was referred to Independent Police Complaints Commission,[23] who have prepared a leaflet about its enquiry for distribution to homes and other locations in the area.[24] On 10 July 2006, the IPCC confirmed that there would be a second inquiry regarding claims made by neighbours of the house raided.[25]
On 3 August 2006, the Independent Police Complaints Commission concluded that the shooting was an "accident". They said that based on forensic evidence, "there is no evidence of intent or recklessness on the part of the firearms officer and that no offence was committed in the firing of the weapon." Scotland Yard released a statement saying it regretted that an accidental discharge had caused injury.
It also emerged on 3 August that Mohammed Abdul Kahar had been arrested by police on suspicion of making pornographic pictures of children, and was in custody at a London police station.[26]
References
- ^ a b "Raid police hunt chemical device" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-03. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Cite error: The named reference "BBC1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ "Police await shot terror suspect" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-05. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Reaction to raid brothers' claims" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-13. Retrieved 2006-07-15.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Raid brother tells of death fears" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-13. Retrieved 2006-07-15.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Police terror shooting questioned" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2006-06-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Terror raid shooting accidental, say police" (HTML). The Times. 2006-06-05. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Men in gas masks, a broken window, then a single shot" (HTML). The Guardian. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2006-06-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Audrey Gillan and Hugh Muir (2006-06-05). "Lawyer condemns 'wild west' police raid" (HTML). The Guardian. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Rajeev Syal and Sean O'Neill (2006-06-03). "Police struck rapidly after chillingly precise tip-off" (HTML). The Times. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "House raid police had 'no choice'" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-07. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Two held in terror raid released" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-10. Retrieved 2006-06-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Raid police apologise for 'hurt'" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-13. Retrieved 2006-06-13.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Muslims protest over terror raid" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-09. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Michael Horsnell (2006-06-09). "Family's fears at East London terror protest" (HTML). The Times. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Muslims protest over terror raid" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-11. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Adam Fresco (2006-06-08). "Scotland Yard apologises for terror raid disruption" (HTML). The Times. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Opinion divided as brothers freed" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-11. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Blair defends police terror raid" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-03. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Met chief defended amid raid row" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-12. Retrieved 2006-06-13.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Terror raid pair may sue police" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-06-11. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ David Leppard (2006-06-11). "'Terror raid' brothers could get £500,000 in damages" (HTML). The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Mr Kahar interviewed on Today Program" (RAM). BBC News. 2007-07-21. Retrieved 2006-07-21.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "IPCC to Investigate Forest Gate Firearms Incident" (HTML). Independent Police Complaints Commission. 2006-06-02. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Independent Police Complaints Commission Update Leaflet for East London Residents" (HTML). Independent Police Complaints Commission. 2006-06-08. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Second inquiry into terror raid" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-07-10. Retrieved 2006-07-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Terror raid shooting 'accidental'" (HTML). BBC News. 2006-08-03. Retrieved 2006-08-03.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)