Beach killings tied to Tunis museum attack

Police say ‘strong evidence’ links attack claimed by Islamic State to massacre of 38 tourists in Sousse

The massacre of 38 tourists on a Tunisian beach is being linked to an earlier terror attack in the country that killed 22 people, Scotland Yard said yesterday.

Some 30 Britons were among 38 tourists killed on the beach in Sousse by gunman Seifeddine Rezgui.

The attack came just months after 22 people, mostly tourists, were killed at the National Bardo Museum outside the capital Tunis in March.

Commander Richard Walton, of the Metropolitan Police, which supplied officers to help the Tunisian investigation into the massacre, said: “We are now linking evidentially the Bardo Museum investigation with the Sousse investigation.”

He did not provide more details of the suspected connection but said it was based on “strong evidence”.

Terror group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Sousse attack.

Tunisian authorities have now arrested 150 people in relation to the Sousse attack. Of those, 15 have been charged with terrorism offences.

In the aftermath of the Sousse attack, Tunisian officials said Rezgui trained in neighbouring Libya at the same time as two attackers who targeted the Bardo museum in March. A British woman was killed in the earlier atrocity.

MrWalton, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, declined to provide details of the connection, only saying: “It is strong evidence that links the two.”

He said a team of officers is working closely with the Tunisian authorities on both inquiries and the coroner in the UK has been told about the link.

Scotland Yard revealed that British officers have taken a total of 459 witness statements since the day of the beach attack in June.

A number of witnesses have referred to a second gunman wearing red shorts.

Investigators said though they retain an open mind, they believe the person identified was a beach security worker who attempted to stop the gunman.

More than 370 photograph and video files from mobile devices are being assessed by detectives, while specialist advisers have been sent to Tunisia as authorities in the country review security at resorts and tourist attractions.

Mr Walton said Tunisian authorities have deployed “significant resource” into the investigation. They have carried out operations across the country to disrupt terrorist activity and identify suspects, he said.

Those charged face allegations including being involved in a terrorist plot, not informing police of a plan and providing logistical or other support. A trial in relation to the murders is not expected to be held for up to 18 months.

Mr Walton also disclosed that Rezgui’s body has not been claimed due to the shame his family feel and fear of reprisals if they do so.

We are now linking evidentially the Bardo Museum investigat– ion with the Sousse investigat– ion. METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMANDER RICHARD WALTON

Picture: Getty Images. A local man grieving at the scene of the beach attack shortly after the tragedy.