UK counter-terror police take over probe into attack on ex-PM adviser Shahzad Akbar

Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) unit has taken over the investigation into a violent attack on Shahzad Akbar, a former adviser to Pakistan’s prime minister, at his residence in Cambridge earlier this month, local news reported on Friday.

The assault was initially investigated by Cambridge police. However, the case was later transferred to the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing command due to what authorities described as the “highly targeted” and sensitive nature of the incident, according to a source familiar with the matter.

It is understood that Cambridge police handed over the complete evidence file to CTP London around three days ago. The material includes CCTV footage, photographs, forensic evidence collected locally and a statement recorded from Akbar.

Confirming the development, a Counter Terrorism Policing London spokesperson told local News that officers are investigating the assault on “a man in his 50s, which happened in the Cambridge area on the morning of December 24.”

In a separate statement, a Scotland Yard spokesperson said the investigation was transferred to CTP London because the attack appeared to be specifically targeted at the victim. The spokesperson added that investigators were keeping an open mind regarding the motive behind the assault.

“At this stage, however, we retain an open mind as to any potential motivation behind the attack,” the spokesperson said, adding that there was no indication of any wider threat to the public linked to the incident.