British ambassador survives bomb blast in Yemen

12 April 2012

The British ambassador to Yemen escaped unharmed after an explosion near his car today.

Tim Torlot, 52, was travelling to work in his armoured car in a part of the capital Sana'a which is known to be an al Qaeda stronghold.

It is believed the attacker, a young man apparently dressed in school uniform as a disguise, was wearing an explosives belt and was killed in the blast.

The Foreign Office was unable to confirm reports that a suspected suicide bomber died in the explosion.

A spokesman said: "There was a small explosion beside the British ambassador's car. He was unhurt. No other embassy staff or British nationals were injured. The embassy will remain closed to the public for the time being. We advise all British nationals in Yemen to keep a low profile and remain vigilant."

Yemen became a focus of international concern after the man suspected of attempting to blow up a US-bound airliner on Christmas Day, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, was reported to have told FBI investigators that he was supplied with his bomb by al Qaeda members in Yemen.

Nigerian-born Abdulmutallab's family suggested that he became radicalised during a visit to Yemen last year, where he was supposedly studying Arabic but is believed to have made contact with some of the estimated 300 al Qaeda militants in the country.

The Foreign Office website warns travellers that there continues to be a "high threat" of terrorism in Yemen.

Mr Torlot took up his post as UK ambassador to Yemen in 2007. He reportedly moved his pregnant mistress, US journalist Jennifer Steil, into his official residence after his wife of 23 years returned home. The couple now have a baby daughter.

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