The Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command has assumed control of the investigation into two separate incidents that occurred on Christmas Eve, with authorities explicitly stating they are not ruling out a potential link between the attacks that took place approximately fifty miles apart.
Incidents Under Scrutiny
On Wednesday, December 24th, a man in his fifties was assaulted outside a residential address in Cambridge. Subsequently, on Friday, January 31st, two men are believed to have targeted the same property, which was unoccupied at the time. During this second incident, one individual allegedly used a firearm to break a window, and a burning rag was thrown inside the building. Fortunately, the rag landed on the ground outside and failed to ignite, causing no significant damage.
In a separate event also occurring on December 24th, an incident took place in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The precise details of this attack have not been fully disclosed, but it forms a key part of the ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.
Police Statement and Ongoing Inquiries
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police provided a detailed statement, emphasising the open-minded approach of the investigation. "Detectives are keeping an open mind as to any potential motivation behind the incidents. Officers are also keeping an open mind as to whether any of the incidents are potentially linked, and this remains an active line of inquiry being considered," the spokesperson confirmed.
The police have highlighted the highly targeted nature of these attacks as a primary reason for the counter-terrorism unit's involvement, suggesting a level of premeditation that warrants specialist scrutiny.
Arrests and Charges
In connection with these investigations, a series of arrests have been made. On Monday, January 5th, a 34-year-old man was arrested at an address in Great Dunmow, Essex, concerning the Cambridge incident from December 31st. He has been released on bail until April, pending further enquiries.
More significantly, on Wednesday, January 21st, four additional men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of various offences. Three of the men have been formally charged and named by police:
- Karl Blackbird, 40, of Bedworth, Warwickshire, faces charges of conspiracy to assault and occasion bodily harm relating to both the Chesham incident on December 24th and the Cambridge incident on the same day.
- Clark McAulay, 39, of Coventry, Warwickshire, has been charged with conspiracy to assault and occasion bodily harm in connection with the Chesham attack on December 24th.
- Doneto Brammer, 21, of Wood Green, East London, is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to commit arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. All charges relate to the Cambridge incident on December 31st.
All three men, identified as British nationals, were charged on Friday, January 23rd, and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today, Saturday, January 24th.
Broader Implications
The decision by the Met's counter-terrorism unit to lead this investigation underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated. While no definitive link has been established, the geographical and temporal proximity of the attacks, combined with their targeted characteristics, has prompted a coordinated national response. The ongoing probe will continue to examine all potential motives and connections, with further updates expected as the judicial process unfolds.
