Tunisia beach massacre linked to previous attack

The Tunisia beach massacre is linked to a previous terror attack in the country, British police believe.

There is “strong” evidence of a connection between the killings in Sousse in June and a shooting at the National Bardo Museum outside the capital Tunis three months earlier, said Scotland Yard.

Commander Richard Walton said: “We are now linking evidentially the Bardo Museum investigation with the Sousse investigation.”

In the aftermath of the Sousse attack, Tunisian officials said gunman Seifeddine Rezgui trained in neighbouring Libya at the same time as two attackers who targeted the Bardo museum in March, killing 22 people, including a British woman.

Walton, head of the UK’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 are working closely with the Tunisian authorities on both inquiries and the UK coroner has been told about the link.

Terror group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Sousse attack, in which three Irish people were among 38 tourists killed.

Tunisian authorities have now arrested 150 people in relation to the killings, with 15 of those charged with terrorism offences.

Those charged face allegations including being involved in a terrorist plot and providing logistical or other support.

A trial in relation to the murders is not expected to take place for up to 18 months. British officers have taken 459 witness statements since the day of the beach attack in June.

A number of people have referred to a second gunman wearing red shorts, but investigators said that although they retain an open mind, they now believe the person was a beach security worker who attempted to stop the gunman.

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