Leads in hunt for RAF base attackers
POLICE hunting two men who tried to kidnap an RAF serviceman have received ‘promising information’ after 150 calls from the public.
But officers admitted that, despite releasing e-fits of the suspects, they still had no confirmed sightings of the men who threatened the servicemen at knifepoint outside his base.
They are still combing CCTV footage for leads on the people carrier the men are believed to have escaped in after the attack at RAF Marham in Norfolk.
Yesterday it was confirmed that 50 officers from the local force are being helped by 20 Metropolitan Police antiterrorism officers.
Detective Superintendent Paul Durham, who is leading the inquiry, said: ‘There is some promising information amongst these calls. Officers continue with the painstaking task of trawling CCTV. This process does take time but I’m confident this work will pay off.’
But he played down reports that the men could be in hiding near RAF Marham, saying: ‘We are not focusing on any specific area and I’m keeping an open mind as to where they are from.’
The married serviceman in his late 20s was targeted on July 20 about a mile from the gates of the base, which is home to four squadrons of Tornado bombers flying missions against Islamic State. The men grappled with him before he fled and raised the alarm. Det Supt Durham said: ‘There is no credible evidence this is a terrorist incident, but that remains one of a number of possibilities.’
Both suspects are said to be of Middle Eastern origin and between 20 and 30 years old.
The first is about 6ft, with dark hair and a beard. The second is younger and about 5ft 10in. Call 0800 056 0154 or 020 7158 0011 with information.