The 18-year-old suspect arrested after a bomb exploded on a London subway train Friday injuring dozens is believed to be an Iraqi refugee.
The teenager suspected of planting the improvised explosive device on the train is reportedly an Iraqi orphan who moved to the U.K. three years ago, according to a local council leader familiar with the man’s background. Authorities have not yet confirmed these reports, the Evening Standard reported.
Police apprehended the young man near the Port of Dover trying to flee the country.
Hours later, bomb squads raided the home of two foster parents — Penelope and Ronald Jones, known for taking in children, including refugees from other countries. Neighbors described the teenage bomber as a “problem” child, noting that police brought him home just two weeks before the attack. They also regularly spotted plainclothes officers at the house, according to The Telegraph.
Police have arrested a second man, a 21-year-old suspect, in connection with Friday’s attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State. The threat level in London has since been lowered.
The foster parents were previously honored by the Queen of England for their services to children and families. “We open our hearts to all the children. Anybody that comes to us we will do whatever we can to help them with whatever they need,” the couple said at the time.
The bomb detonated Friday contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a substance known as the “mother of Satan” that was used in the Manchester attack, and nails. Fortunately, the explosive only partially detonated. Authorities fear that had that bomb exploded as intended, it would have killed dozens of people.
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