A Libyan man has been arrested in England on suspicion of conspiracy to murder PC Yvonne Fletcher, who was fatally shot 31 years ago during a protest at the Libyan embassy in London.
The man in his 50s was arrested on Thursday morning in south-east England on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and money laundering, Scotland Yard told journalists at a specially convened briefing.
A woman in her 40s in south-east England and a man in his 30s in London, both Libyan, have also been arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Fletcher, 26, was shot from inside the Libyan embassy as gunfire opened on anti-Gaddafi demonstrators on 17 April 1984. Her death triggered a siege of the embassy by the Met for the next 11 days, and the UK cutting diplomatic ties with Libya.Cdr Richard Walton, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, SO15, said the arrests marked a “significant turning point” in the investigation.
All three arrested were held in police custody and searches were being conducted at a number of addresses across the country.
Scotland Yard launched a major global appeal for witnesses who had not spoken to them before to come forward. A £50,000 reward was offered for information leading to prosecution.
The force released dramatic footage of protesters chanting outside the embassy before gunshots ring out and panic ensues.
Fletcher, 25, is seen lying on the floor as a frantic fellow officer removes his helmet and kneels to tend to her. Images show 14 pro-Gaddafi protesters that the Met wants to track down.
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