Customs patrol launch damaged by arson attack

Immediately afterwards, a second flare was fired but that one missed the ship and landed on the quayside, where it exploded without causing further damage to government property or harm to the Customs Officer on duty nearby. The person who carried out the attack then sped away from the scene.

The police are asking for anyone with information that might assist the investigation to contact them or HM Customs. The incident could have been much more serious if HMC Seeker had caught fire and the blast impacted on other vessels or buildings in the area, as this could have resulted in injuries or people being killed.

The launch has been repaired and is back in operation. Gibraltar's chief minister, Fabian Picardo, says the government will not tolerate such attacks on the law enforcement agents at HM Customs or criminal damage to law enforcement assets, and the investigation to find the person or people responsible has the government's full support.