Solved case · 2007
Also known as Glasgow International Airport attack · 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack
GlasgowAirportatnight7dCredit: Jonathan NaingCC BY-SA 2.0SourceThe short answer
On 30 June 2007, a Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters was driven into the terminal doors at Glasgow Airport and set alight; the driver later died of his injuries and the passenger was convicted of conspiracy to murder, linking the attack to car bombs left in London the previous day.
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Suggest coverage for 2007 Glasgow Airport AttackOn 30 June 2007 at approximately 15:11 BST, a dark green Jeep Cherokee carrying propane gas canisters and petrol containers was driven at the main terminal entrance of Glasgow Airport. Security bollards prevented the vehicle from entering the building, where an estimated 4,000 people were present. When the vehicle failed to explode, the passenger threw petrol bombs while the driver doused himself in petrol and set himself alight. Members of the public, including airport worker John Smeaton and several bystanders, assisted police in restraining the two occupants. Five members of the public were injured, none seriously; some injuries were sustained by those who intervened.
Police identified the vehicle's occupants as Bilal Abdullah, a UK-born doctor of Iraqi descent working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Kafeel Ahmed, an Indian-born engineer who was driving the vehicle and suffered severe burns to 90% of his body. Ahmed died from his injuries at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 2 August 2007. A suicide note reportedly indicated the two intended to die in the attack. Investigators established a link between this incident and car bombs discovered in London the day before, 29 June 2007. Within days, Scotland Yard confirmed that a total of eight people had been taken into custody in connection with the Glasgow and London incidents, including a doctor arrested in Australia whose case was later dropped with no charges brought.
Bilal Abdullah was subsequently transferred from Scotland to London for prosecution under English law, following consent from Scotland's Lord Advocate for a combined case. On 17 December 2009, Abdullah was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder in connection with both the London and Glasgow incidents, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years.
The attack prompted the UK terrorism threat level to be raised from "Severe" to "Critical" on the evening of the incident, before being lowered back to "Severe" on 4 July. It was the first terrorist incident in Scotland since the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. The airport was evacuated and flights suspended, with a phased reopening beginning the following morning. Several other UK airports introduced additional security measures in response. Members of the public who intervened during the attack, including John Smeaton, were later recognised for their actions; Smeaton received the Queen's Gallantry Medal, and several others received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in 2010.
Car bombs discovered in London, later linked to the Glasgow attack.
A Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters is driven into the entrance of Glasgow Airport terminal and set alight; both occupants are apprehended at the scene.
Glasgow Airport terminal begins phased reopening; controlled explosion carried out on a car at Royal Alexandra Hospital car park.
Further arrests made in Paisley; a doctor is detained at Brisbane Airport in Australia in connection with the case; his case later collapses with no charges.
UK terrorism threat level lowered from 'Critical' back to 'Severe'.
Kafeel Ahmed dies of his injuries at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
John Smeaton is presented with the Queen's Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace.
Bilal Abdullah is convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 32 years.
Seven bystanders and a police officer are announced as recipients of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for their roles in the incident.
Victims first. Every legal label is set from public records and court outcomes, not from the prose.
Convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on 17 December 2009 of conspiracy to murder in connection with the London and Glasgow incidents; sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 32 years.[3]
Identified by Strathclyde Police as the man who drove the burning Jeep Cherokee into Glasgow Airport's terminal on 30 June 2007 and then set himself alight; died of his burns on 2 August 2007 before he could be charged or prosecuted.[3]
From the record
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