Tunisia beach terror attack linked to museum massacre

Thirty Britons were among 38 tourists killed at a resort in Sousse. Credit: Reuters

The Tunisian beach massacre is being linked to an earlier terror attack in the country which left 22 people dead, Scotland Yard has said.

Police did not provide details of the connection between the two attacks but said it was based on "strong" evidence.

Thirty Britons were among 38 tourists killed at a resort in Sousse by gunman Seifeddine Rezgui on June 26.

It followed an attack in which 22 people were killed, mostly tourists and including one British woman, at the National Bardo Museum outside the capital Tunis in March.

In the aftermath of the Sousse attack, Tunisian officials said Rezgui trained in neighbouring Libya at the same time as two attackers who targeted the Bardo museum.

Scotland Yard, which supplied officers to help the Tunisian investigation into the beach massacre, said it was keeping an "open mind" on the possibility that a second gunman was involved in the attack.

Commander Richard Walton, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "The attack at the Bardo museum which left 22 dead, including one British woman, is now being linked to the Sousse murders.

The National Bardo Museum outside the capital Tunis was attacked in March. Credit: Reuters

"While I cannot go into further details regarding this live investigation, I can confirm that a team of officers, led by a senior detective from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, are working closely with the Tunisian authorities on both investigations and we have advised the coroner of the connection between the two."

Terror group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Sousse attack.

Tunisian authorities have now arrested 150 people in relation to the Sousse massacre. Of those, 15 have been charged with terrorism offences.

Those charged face allegations including being involved in a terrorist plot, not informing police of a plan and providing logistical or other support.

A trial in relation to the murders is not expected to take place for up to 18 months.

Scotland Yard detectives are examining more than 370 photos and videos from mobile devices provided by witnesses to the Sousse atrocity.

Mr Walton revealed Rezgui's body has not been claimed due to the shame his family feel and fear of reprisals if they do so.