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Posted on 01/15/2003 10:07:21 AM PST by colette_g
GERM EXPERTS ENTER FLATS
Experts wearing gas masks and specialist clothing are searching the building where a Special Branch officer was killed in a counter-terrorist operation linked to the deadly poison ricin.
Teams of specialists were seen putting on military-style nuclear, chemical and biological warfare protective suits.
They were joined by officers with riot shields as police prepared to enter more flats in the building where Detective Constable Stephen Oake was killed.
A police spokeswoman said the officers were searching the remaining flats in the complex to make sure it was safe before forensic experts went inside to continue their investigation.
Mr Oake was stabbed to death in a flat in the building in Crumpsall, north Manchester, on Tuesday.
Three people of North African origin were arrested and are still being questioned.
It has emerged the men were not handcuffed and Mr Oake was not wearing protective clothing when he was attacked.
The policeman was part of an investigation being carried out in connection with the recent discovery of traces of ricin at an address in north London
Mr Oake had previously worked as a protection officer for Tony Blair.
The Prime Minister told of his "shock and outrage" at the murder and vowed to "re-double" the Government's efforts to fight terrorism.
He added: "DC Oake was someone I met. His family has lost a very fine man. The community has lost a very fine police officer."
Four other officers were also injured during the raid - two suffering from stab wounds. Three have now been discharged from hospital.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green earlier said he had found nothing to suggest ricin or anything similar was on the premises.
Mr Oake, 40, a father-of-three from Poynton in Cheshire, died at North Manchester General Hospital after receiving treatment at the scene.
He leaves a wife of 20 years, Lesley, a 15-year-old son and two daughters, aged 12 and 14.
They can see the writing on the wall, despite what is said publicly. I doubt they will try to do anything before it's too late, just like we operate.
It may already be too late for the UK and the rest of Europe. In a different way, it may be too late for us as well.
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