BBC ON THIS DAY | 15 | 1978: German terror suspect arrested in UK

1978: German terror suspect arrested in UK

One of the most wanted members of the West German Baader-Meinhof gang has been detained in London.

Astrid Proll, 31, is suspected of having been a member of the left-wing extremist group and its successor, the Red Army Faction.

Miss Proll was working in a West Hampstead garage under a false name when officers from Special Branch arrested her.

She is now being questioned by members of the anti-terrorist squad at Paddington Green police station in West London, where she is expected to be held for the next few days.

Scotland Yard said Miss Proll - who was working as a mechanics instructor - was not armed when she was arrested and emphasized there was no question of her being involved in criminal activity in the UK.

But West German officials said they wanted her in connection with several murders and would apply for her extradition.

Witnesses at Camden Enterprises Ltd said Miss Proll did not resist arrest.

I have no contact with the Red Army Faction

Astrid Proll

The workshop manager, Vincent Wilcocks, told the BBC when the first uniformed police arrived he thought they had come to question him about a motoring offence.

"The next moment about 10 plain clothes officers from Scotland Yard came in and took her up to the recreation room, pushed her up against the lockers and searched her.

"I asked the police if they had a warrant but they said in this case they did not need one," he said.

Miss Proll later issued a statement though her solicitor denying she had links with any extremist groups.

"I have lived in England for the past four years - I have no contact with the Red Army Faction and I have tried to settle down as best I could in the circumstances," she said.

E-mail this story to a friend

	^^ back to top
	Front Page \| Years \| Themes \| Witness
	©MMVIII \| News Sources \| Privacy & Cookies Policy


	15 September



	Search ON THIS DAY by date



	Search ON THIS DAY by date