LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) – British police said they had arrested a Libyan man on Thursday over his suspected role in the murder of unarmed policewoman Yvonne Fletcher, who was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in London in 1984.
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Pc Fletcher, 25, was on duty at a demonstration at the Libyan embassy in May 1984 when a gunman sprayed the crowd with bullets, killing her and wounding 10 Libyans protesting against Gaddafi.
But the killer was presumed to have left Britain among the 30 staff who were then deported under diplomatic immunity.
A man and a woman were also held on suspicion of money laundering.
Walton said police particularly want to talk to people who were part of the pro-Gadhafi demonstration, including those who may be living in Libya or in other parts of the world.
“We believe this counter demonstration was organised and coordinated by people inside the bureau as part of the so-called Stray Dogs campaign orchestrated from Libya to attack dissidents and their interests”, said Commander Walton.
He told media at Scotland Yard: “I can tell you today the we believe two firearms were used- a pistol and and an automatic weapon”.
Cmdr Walton said: “The day Yvonne was shot remains one of the saddest and darkest days in the history of British policing”.
In a statement, Fletcher’s family said her father recently died and his “one regret in life was that no-one had been arrested in connection with the murder of his daughter and never witnessed any justice”.
“Any information, however small, can help bring closure for the family and we therefore continue to support the Metropolitan Police in their ongoing investigation”.
Ten Libyan men demonstrating against Colonel Gaddafi were also shot and injured.
“The investigation is now focusing on new lines of inquiry relating to a conspiracy to murder prior to the shooting of Yvonne and we are acting upon fresh new evidence”.
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He added: “Allegiances change and we hope with the passage of time, witnesses who have not spoken to us will examine their consciences and come forward”.
