Jerseyman metres from Tunisia attack

Monday 29 June 2015

A Jersey pilot was metres away from the scene of a deadly terrorist attack in Tunisia which left at least 38 people – including at least 30 Britons – dead.

The pilot - who has asked not to be named for security reasons - was staying at a hotel in the resort town of Sousse that overlooks the tourist beach where Friday’s attack took place.

His worried family were relieved to receive a text from him on Friday afternoon telling them that he was safe. He has now returned to the UK.

He said on Friday: “My girlfriend and I are currently being told by hotel and holiday reps to stay inside. The hotel and the streets are in lockdown and medical and military helicopters are in force as well as ambulances and armed special forces.

“No plan of action has yet been given by the hotels or travel agencies and there are lots of worried people here, and undoubtedly back home, waiting for answers."

Tunisian student Seifeddine Rezgui (23), who has links to Islamic State, opened fire on tourists at 12 noon on Friday. He was eventually shot dead by police.

Harrowing footage of his rampage has been shown on the news and on social media, as the world's media focussed on the latest ISIS-linked terror atrocity.

The UK police has launched the biggest anti-terrorist operation since the London attacks of July 2005, involving 600 officers and staff.

It has also been confirmed that Britain has sent medical, forensic science and security teams to assist the Tunisian authorities. Armed guards have been posted outside hotels after warnings were posted that further attacks were possible.