HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc134-5W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the New Year's Eve bombing incident in Stafford Street, London.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that at 21.55 on Saturday, 31st December, 1977 at Stafford Street, W1, an explosion occurred in a Volvo car owned by the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic. As a result of the explosion, two members of the Embassy staff, Mr. Jawdat Awad, an attache, and Mr. Faez Shibly, a chauffeur, were killed and damage was caused to nearby buildings. Forensic examination has established that the explosive device detonated inside the passenger compartment of the car. Police inquiries into the incident are being urgently pursued.