2007 Glasgow Airport attack
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On June 30 2007, at 15:15 BST a black Jeep Cherokee drove into the main terminal of Glasgow International Airport resulting in a fire. Eyewitness reports say the Jeep had flames protruding from underneath when it hit the building at speed. It has been reported that it was being driven by two Asian men. There was an explosion from the car and the strong smell of melting plastic.[1] The airport has been evacuated and all flights have been suspended, BAA stating that the airport is currently closed, and that travel to the airport is to be avoided.[2] The road running along the front of the terminal building is for use only by public transport vehicles.
Police are still investigating to see if this was an accident or if it was a terrorist attack as this comes just 24 hours after finding car bombs in London. The Police have only confirmed that a Jeep Cherokee was driven into the terminal building while on fire. One witness said that it appeared that the driver was trying to drive straight through the terminal doors. And another that its driver revved the engine to cause the tyres to catch fire. Another eyewitness reported that the Asian man came out of the car, poured petrol on himself, then began fighting with police.
After the impact, one of the men from the car reportedly got out of the vehicle and ran into the terminal building while on fire, having spread petrol over themselves, he was there tackled by Stephen Clarkson, a member of the public. Sky News and other witnesses have reported that gas canisters were removed from the car and a reported "spreading" of petrol from containers by the occupants after getting out of the car.
Three people have been arrested according to Sky News. However BBC News reports two have been arrested, one of whom was badly burned. Several known casualties, including the first Asian male have reportedly been taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley.
The BBC reported that the reaction of the public was not to help the men in the car but to restrain them when they started fighting the police.
Whitehall sources say that this is not a national security threat, and is currently being handled as a police/criminal event. However some eyewitnesses have stated that they believe it is a deliberate attack, due to its nature. An official spokesperson for Glasgow airport also intimated that it is likely to be a deliberate attack. Police have said it is unknown if this incident is related to the incidents in London the previous day.
External links
References
- ^ Sky News Eyewitness Reports live on air.
- ^ http://www.glasgowairport.com/ Glasgow Airport main page.