Three Libyans have been arrested in Britain by police investigating the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher during a protest outside the Libyan People’s Bureau 31 years ago.
One man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to murder at an undisclosed location in the southeast of England in what police called the first significant arrest since the officer was killed in 1984.
A woman in her 40s and a man in his 30s were also arrested as part of a money laundering investigation linked to the shooting. The man in his 50s was being questioned over money laundering allegations.
Searches were being made of properties across the country following the arrests, said Commander Richard Walton of the Metropolitan Police.
Ms Fletcher, 25, who had been an officer for six years, was killed after a gunshot rang out during rival demonstrations between anti and pro-Gaddafi activists in London. Ten anti-Gaddafi activists were also shot and injured and police believe that two weapons were used in the attack.
“We believe this counter demonstration was organised and coordinated by people inside the bureau as part of the so-called Stray Dogs campaign orchestrated from Libya to attack dissidents and their interests,” said Commander Walton.
Scotland Yard released video footage today showing 14 pro-Gaddafi supporters that they wanted to interview.