Brit Cafe Bomber 'Preyed On by Extremists'

Radicals took advantage of mentally ill Islamic convert: cops

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 3:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – British police believe a mentally ill man who tried to blow himself up in a restaurant yesterday was taken advantage of by Islamic extremists, the Guardian reports. The recent convert to Islam walked into a busy restaurant in the West Country city of Exeter and exploded a device. The only person hurt was the bomber, who suffered serious facial injuries. The bomb and another found nearby had the capacity to cause serious harm.

"We believe, despite his weak and vulnerable state, he was preyed upon, radicalized and taken advantage of," said a chief constable.

Police in Exeter turn back passers-by in the aftermath of an explosion in a restaurant. ((c) kr15tan)

This image taken from CCTV shows a man identified by the police as Nicky Reilly, the man arrested in connection with an explosion in Exeter, England, earlier Thursday. (AP Photo)

Pedestrians on Exeter High Street following yesterday's explosion. ((c) kr15tan)

Police turn back passers-by after an explosion in the western English city of Exeter. ((c) kr15tan)

A main road in Exeter is cordoned off by police after yesterday's explosion in a crowded restaurant. ((c) kr15tan)

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Brit Cafe Bomber 'Preyed On by Extremists'

Radicals took advantage of mentally ill Islamic convert: cops

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Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

Britain Goes on Strike

Public sector workers strike over pensions, retirement age

Jihadi Site Issues 40-Name, American-Heavy Hit List

Prominent US targets in industry, military, media named

Islamists Warn of Royal Wedding Terror Attack

UK foreign policy makes wedding a legitimate target, extremists warn

Go Ahead, Profile Me, Says American Muslim

It's time to stop being politically correct about this, she writes

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