In response to last night’s incident in Algeciras, the Gibraltar Contingency Council (GCC) met this morning, 26th January, to review security matters. The meeting was co-chaired by his Excellency the Governor and the Chief Minister.

It was assessed that there is no specific threat to Gibraltar and so the GCC concluded that the threat level should remain at MODERATE, with a terrorist attack being possible but not likely. However, the GCC wishes to reassure the public that the RGP is following developments closely. The GCC will continue to monitor threat intelligence as it relates to Gibraltar and our Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to take all necessary measures to keep the public safe.

The GCC can confirm that the individual who was arrested last night by the Spanish authorities and named by the Spanish media had also been arrested by the RGP on 2 August 2019 when, along with others, he came ashore from a Jet-Ski without the necessary documentation. He appeared in court on 5 August 2019 and was deported on 8 August 2019 having spent the entire time in custody. The other three immigrants were similarly deported in August 2019.

As ever, the public are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any security and law enforcement concerns to the RGP on 20072500.

His Excellency the Governor and the Chief Minister send their condolences and expressions of solidarity on behalf of His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the People of Gibraltar to the families of the victims of last night’s attack and to the Mayor and people of Algeciras. The Chief Minister has written to the Spanish Foreign Secretary and the Mayor of Algeciras in this respect.

ENDS