Suspects Identified in London Bombing

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Suspects Identified in the London Bombing

July 13th 2005

London Underground

Senior security sources in London told reporters last night that it appears the attacks in London last week that killed more than 50 people were perpetrated by suicide bombers. Three of the four identified were thought to be of Pakistani descent, and none were known to police or intelligence services as terrorist suspects.

Police said they wore military style rucksacks containing 10 pounds of high explosives. They met outside London and traveled together, splitting up at King’s Cross station just twenty minutes before the attack, as picked up by security cameras. Witnesses said they saw a man with olive skin searching agitatedly through a rucksack moments before the blast.

Police arrested on man when they raided six homes in their search for explosives and computer files. The unidentified man was a relative of one of the suspected bombers.

The three were born in Britain and resided in the Leeds area. They are considered Western Europe’s first suicide bombers. Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, of Scotland Yard, said: "No one should be in any doubt the work last Thursday is that of extremists and criminals. So, no one should smear or stigmatize any community with these acts."

Security Cameras may help play a major role in determining and proving who perpetrated the crime. These cameras are not hidden, and are posted on many public buildings, buses and subway stations in London. There are more than half a million cameras in the city. The camera has been instrumental in bringing criminal suspects to justice.

The Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) may also help reduce crime. This is refuted by some civil libertarians. Recently a study was conducted by Britain’s Home Office that indicated the cameras in most areas did not reduce crime. When asked, most people did not feel the presence made them safer.

The cameras have been installed near the ticket offices, parking lots and station platforms for the Underground or Tube subway system. Signs are posted telling customers and residents throughout the city that they are being watched by these cameras. British law requires people be notified if they are being filmed.

Since September 11^th 2001 (9/11) many in the US have speculated that Cameras may make the cities safer. This “test case” may help prove if the camera’s can at least be used to catch the criminals.