Arson attack Thessaloniki: At least three perpetrators, critical laboratory findings
The counter-terrorism service is intensively investigating the attack which cost the life of a 72-year-old woman. Police spokesperson Dimoglidi estimates that at least three people are involved.
Counter-terrorism: 'Race against time' for Thessaloniki arsonists
At least three people participated in the arson attacks in Thessaloniki, which resulted in the death of 72-year-old Vagia Nestor and the injury of three other people. This was stated by Greek Police press spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidi, speaking on the ERT News programme "Syndeseis".
According to information available so far, the perpetrators moved on two motorcycles, whilst all evidence suggests that the same individuals participated in all three attacks. The police are simultaneously examining whether there are other people who acted in a supporting role, before or after the attacks.
"There are at least three people involved. What we are examining is whether there are other people who participated in a supporting capacity, either before or after the attacks. In operations of this kind, typically only those who place the incendiary device are not involved, but there is also a supporting group," Dimoglidi said.
Critical laboratory findings
Laboratory examinations of evidence collected from the attack sites play a central role in the investigation. Analyses are being conducted by both the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
The devices used were improvised — a lighter in combination with flammable liquid — and did not require specialised technical knowledge. The exact type of flammable material is expected to emerge from laboratory analyses.
"We have seen similar devices being used even in attacks against police officers. These are explosive devices. The flammable liquid that was used will be determined from laboratory examinations," the spokesperson noted.
Regarding video evidence that recorded two successive explosions in the Nestor family apartment building, Dimoglidi stated that specialists are investigating whether these were two separate explosions or whether the second was caused by the spread of the fire — possibly through the parked vehicle under which the device had been placed. Final conclusions will be drawn from reports by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and the Fire Service.
'These are not symbolic acts'
Dimoglidi emphasised that attacks of this type cannot be characterised as 'symbolic'. The perpetrators activate the device immediately after placing it, creating immediate danger for residents and passers-by.
"This is not a simple symbolic act. It has been demonstrated in the worst possible way that such a device can take human life. At that moment, any citizen could have been passing through the location," she stated.
Identifications still ongoing
The police spokesperson clarified that there is currently no evidence that would allow the identification of specific individuals, although she estimated that the coming days would bring significant developments.
"It is not easy to identify these individuals immediately. Right now the police are truly in a race against time in order to reach all those involved. I believe that in the coming days we will have results from the investigation," she said.
Almost all police services in Thessaloniki are assisting the counter-terrorism service in gathering and evaluating evidence, whilst officers are examining the known circle of individuals who have been involved in the past in similar cases. To date there is no official connection with any specific organisation or prior activity.
Dimoglidi emphasised that the targets of the attacks were specific and constitute a key focus of the investigation. She also expressed the assessment that no responsibility is expected to be claimed, given the tragic outcome of the attack.
"The motives will be clarified when the perpetrators are identified and arrested," she concluded.
The Counter-terrorism Service, according to the spokesperson, is following established practice: it works without publicity, but at rapid pace. "The Counter-terrorism Service is accustomed to working silently and at the same time effectively. We know what we need to know and what can be made public, however it is certain that our colleagues have already moved one step further in their investigations," she said.
Source: ERT