Three men who are believed to have attacked a journalist outside his home in London have departed from the UK according to police.
Pouria Zeraati, who is employed by the Iran International television channel, was assaulted close to his residence in Wimbledon on Friday afternoon.
Two individuals approached and assaulted him, causing injuries to his leg, before fleeing to a waiting car driven by a third man.
The Metropolitan Police now reports that the three suspects went to Heathrow Airport after abandoning the vehicle and have left the UK.
They state that the reason behind the attack is unclear and that counter-terrorism officers are investigating due to prior threats against the same group of journalists.
Forensics experts are currently examining the blue Mazda 3 getaway car, which was discovered abandoned in the New Malden area.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, remarked: ‘As a result of a very thorough investigation, swiftly conducted, we have identified three suspects who we believe left the UK within hours of the attack.
‘Detectives reviewed CCTV footage and conducted extensive inquiries, resulting in the identification and recovery of a vehicle used by the suspects to leave the scene.
‘We have determined that after abandoning the vehicle, the suspects traveled to Heathrow Airport and have left the UK. We are now collaborating with international partners to gather further details.
‘I want to emphasize that we are still in the early stages of our investigation, and we do not know why this victim was attacked. There could be several explanations for this.
‘All possible motivations for the attack are being pursued, and we are maintaining an open mind regarding potential reasons for the attack.
‘I understand the concern that this incident has caused for local residents and all those affected. Enhanced patrols are ongoing in the Wimbledon area and at other sites in London. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to approach these officers.
‘I am thankful to everyone who has assisted the officers with their inquiries or provided witness statements to the police.’
Pouria, aged 36, has been released from the hospital following the attack. He had previously shared a confident self-portrait on social media from his hospital bed, smiling and displaying a peace sign.
Iran International station today acknowledged that they have frequently been targeted by Iran’s revolutionary guards.
The London-based dissident channel aims to offer impartial coverage of Iran, but the Tehran regime has labeled it as a terrorist organization.
Spokesman Adam Baillie stated that the incident was ‘extremely frightening’ but Pouria is doing ‘very well’ following the attack.
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