Tunisian policeman killed in 'terrorist attack' at Sousse resort
Three suspected Islamic militants have been shot dead after a knife attack in the Tunisian resort where 30 Britons were killed five years ago.
The suspects were shot dead by Tunisian security forces after a police officer was killed in the coastal resort town of Sousse.
The militants rammed their vehicle into police officers and attacked them with knives, killing one and injuring another, authorities said today.
The attack happened on the same day that the Smile for Joel run was taking place in memory of Joel Richards, the youngest of three members of the same Black Country family who died in the terrorist attack in 2015.
The annual event was held virtually due to Covid-19 but a small group of family, friends and neighbours still managed to walk together in Sandwell Valley Country Park in memory of those killed.
Tunisia's prime minister, Hicham Mechichi, appeared to suggest that the assailants' planning may have been faulty on Sunday.
Speaking in Sousse, at the site of the latest attack, he announced the arrest of a fourth suspect who had been aboard the vehicle that rammed the National Guard officers.
"These terrorist groups wanted to signal their presence," he said.
"But they got the wrong address this time. The clearest proof of that is that the authors of this attack were eliminated in a few minutes."
He added that "these microbes must fear the Tunisians because lions are protecting the country".
Hatem Zargouni, director of security for Sousse, said the assailants stabbed the officers and then fled with their weapons.
The injured officer was admitted to hospital.
Thirty Britons were among 38 people killed in the terrorist attack on the beach at Sousse in June 2015, including Joel Richards, aged 19, his uncle Adrian Evans, 49, and grandfather Patrick Evans, 78 – all from Wednesbury.
Only Owen Richards – Joel's brother who was 16 at the time – survived the attack in the family.
Aymen Rezgui, a Tunisian student who trained with Libyan militants, walked on to the beach of the Imperial Hotel and used an assault rifle to shoot at tourists in lounge chairs.
He then continued on to the hotel pool before throwing a grenade into the hotel, and was later killed by police.
So-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for that attack.
Joel and Owen's mother Suzy Evans has since set up charity Smile for Joel, which has helped thousands of other families who have lost relatives in terrorism or homicide attacks.
Each year the charity hosts Run for Joel – a 5km fun run at Sandwell Valley Park. The event was modified this year to make it safe during Covid-19, meaning people could take part at home.
