Assault Rifle
BANNED
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,056
- Reaction score
- -2
- Country
- Location
Two British women injured after acid is thrown into their faces on Zanzibar where they were volunteering at local schools
The victims, 18, hurt in late night attack where acid was thrown in their faces
Londoners Kate Gee and Kirstie Trup were in final week of trip
Pair flown to Tanzania to treat burns on their faces, chests and hands
Police on Zanzibar have launched a manhunt for the attackers
Katie Gee's mother Nicky demands women are flown home immediately
Foreign Office said it 'concerned' and in contact with Tanzanian authorities
Tanzania president visits women and calls attack 'shameful'
By BECKY EVANS and MARTIN ROBINSON
PUBLISHED: 05:58 GMT, 8 August 2013 | UPDATED: 14:16 GMT, 8 August 2013
Two British volunteers injured in an acid attack on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar last night have been named as Kate Gee and Kirstie Trup from London.
The pair, both 18, suffered burns to their faces, chests and hands after the corrosive substance was thrown in their faces in the late night attack in Stone Town, in the west of the island.
Witnesses said two men threw acid on the Britons as they walked through the capital's narrow streets, before speeding off on a moped.
Analysts say Islamic separatist group who want Zanzibar to be independent from Tanzania may be behind the attack but no one has yet claimed responsibility.
Ms Trup is from affluent Hampstead and Ms Gee was formally a student at the Francis Holland School in Chelsea.
More...
British tourist suffering from bipolar disorder spends £147,000 in Spanish food shops during week-long impulsive spree
French 'nanny from hell' on the run after stealing from British family posts pictures of herself enjoying freedom on Facebook
Ms Gee's mother Nicky said the families are fighting to get the two women home as soon as possible.
Speaking outside Ms Trup's Hampstead home, where the volunteer lives with her parents Marc and Michelle, Ms Gee said: 'We can't get them home yet. It was an acid attack on two English girls.
'They were dressed appropriately - they just attacked two young girls. If the Royal family were there I'm sure they would get them out.
If you can help bring her back, please do.'
She said of her daughter's injuries, 'her whole face and body is burnt'.
The pair were in the final week of their three week trip volunteering with the NGO Art in Tanzania.
Television images showed one girl obviously in pain in the back of a car at the Zanzibar airport.
They were flown to hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and have since been discharged and police say the women were lucky to escape serious burns.
A spokesman for Art in Tanzania said representatives were today at the Aga Khan Hospital to help the girls, who were also being interviewed by Foreign Office officials and again by police.
Acid attack teenagers seen being taken from airport in Zanzibar
Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup were flown to the Aga Khan Hospital in Tanzania (pictured) and have now been discharged
Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup were flown to the Aga Khan Hospital in Tanzania (pictured) and have now been discharged
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women in hospital and called the attack 'shameful'
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women in hospital and called the attack 'shameful'
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women at the Aga Khan Hospital today.
On arrival at the hospital, the president, surrounded by bodyguards, called the attack 'shameful'.
Urging the police to step up their investigation and catch the culprits, he said: 'This puts the name of our country in the bad-books.'
He also praised the hospital for its efforts in looking after the girls.
Zanzibar Assistant Commissioner of Police Mkadam Khamis told The Evening Standard: 'The doctors said the injuries are relatively minor. There is discoloration but they are not expected to be scarred. It is very fortunate.'
The pair had been volunteering at a local school with the organisation i-to-i Travel.
A spokeswoman said: 'There is a chance that attacks could happen again and we are making sure people are fully aware of the protection procedures.'
The company said in a statement: 'All our efforts remain focused on ensuring they are supported whilst assisting them and their relatives with the arrangements for their return home.
'The motive for the incident is as yet not known and we will await the report from the local authorities in Zanzibar before any comment can be made.
'The female clients had been volunteer teachers on Zanzibar and were in the final week of their trip.'
The company, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, runs gap year trips to parts of Africa, Asia, central and South America and Australia, with trips to teach in Zanzibar starting at £669 for two weeks.
The women were attacked as they walked through the narrow streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
The women were attacked as they walked through the narrow streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
The teenagers ran to the Tembo Hotel (pictured) after the attack by two men on mopeds
The teenagers ran to the Tembo Hotel (pictured) after the attack by two men on mopeds
Deputy police commissioner Mkadam Khamis said: 'Police in Zanzibar have launched a manhunt, and we ask for public assistance in identifying the attackers.
'The motive for the attack on the volunteers, aged 18 years, has not been established.'
Mr Khamis Mkadam said: 'The incident occurred when the streets were deserted as most people were breaking their Ramadan fast.'
Zanzibar, a paradise island around 22 miles off the coast of east Africa, and part of the republic of Tanzania, attracts thousands of British tourists a year.
Police on the island say it is the first time a tourist has been attacked in this way.
However, there have been concerns that religious tension in Zanzibar have increased in recent months.
Said Ali Mbarouk, Minister of Information, said: 'We should cooperate with other government sectors to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
Police said it is the first acid attack on foreigners on the island and have launched a manhunt (file picture)
Police said it is the first acid attack on foreigners on the island and have launched a manhunt (file picture)
Zanzibar
'I beg our nationals in any way this is not something they should be doing because tourism is the strong pillar of our economy so if we do such acts we are killing our economy and our livelihoods in general so it is not an honourable thing to do it's a bad thing and it's supposed to be condemned by all citizens of Zanzibar.'
The Foreign Office travel advice for Tanzania warns that although most visits to the country are trouble-free, 'violent and armed crime is increasing'.
The advice, available on its website, says: 'Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country.'
It adds: 'In Zanzibar incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches.'
The police described the attack as 'an isolated incident', refusing to link it to rising religious tension on the island between majority Muslims and its Christian population.
There have been a series of attacks on Muslim and Christian clergy on the island over the past 12 months.
In November a Muslim cleric was injured in an acid attack and last year four churches were set on fire.
Dr Mike Jennings, a lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, said Muslim group called Uamsho, which translates as 'The Awakening', was a political rather than terrorist organisation and had no known links to Al Qaeda.
He said they want an independent Zanzibar and to introduce Islamic law on the island.
Dr Jennings said: 'It is political with a religious tone. Some people see it is as terrorism, but I don't think it is.
'Maybe this group was behind the attack, although it is too early to say.'
The majority of islanders are Muslim, with Christians making up as little as five per cent of the population.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: 'We are aware of an incident and are providing consular assistance.'
She added that officials became aware of the incident last night.
Zanzibar acid attack: Two British women injured after acid is thrown into their faces on Zanzibar where they were volunteering at local schools | Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
The victims, 18, hurt in late night attack where acid was thrown in their faces
Londoners Kate Gee and Kirstie Trup were in final week of trip
Pair flown to Tanzania to treat burns on their faces, chests and hands
Police on Zanzibar have launched a manhunt for the attackers
Katie Gee's mother Nicky demands women are flown home immediately
Foreign Office said it 'concerned' and in contact with Tanzanian authorities
Tanzania president visits women and calls attack 'shameful'
By BECKY EVANS and MARTIN ROBINSON
PUBLISHED: 05:58 GMT, 8 August 2013 | UPDATED: 14:16 GMT, 8 August 2013
Two British volunteers injured in an acid attack on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar last night have been named as Kate Gee and Kirstie Trup from London.
The pair, both 18, suffered burns to their faces, chests and hands after the corrosive substance was thrown in their faces in the late night attack in Stone Town, in the west of the island.
Witnesses said two men threw acid on the Britons as they walked through the capital's narrow streets, before speeding off on a moped.
Analysts say Islamic separatist group who want Zanzibar to be independent from Tanzania may be behind the attack but no one has yet claimed responsibility.
Ms Trup is from affluent Hampstead and Ms Gee was formally a student at the Francis Holland School in Chelsea.
More...
British tourist suffering from bipolar disorder spends £147,000 in Spanish food shops during week-long impulsive spree
French 'nanny from hell' on the run after stealing from British family posts pictures of herself enjoying freedom on Facebook
Ms Gee's mother Nicky said the families are fighting to get the two women home as soon as possible.
Speaking outside Ms Trup's Hampstead home, where the volunteer lives with her parents Marc and Michelle, Ms Gee said: 'We can't get them home yet. It was an acid attack on two English girls.
'They were dressed appropriately - they just attacked two young girls. If the Royal family were there I'm sure they would get them out.
If you can help bring her back, please do.'
She said of her daughter's injuries, 'her whole face and body is burnt'.
The pair were in the final week of their three week trip volunteering with the NGO Art in Tanzania.
Television images showed one girl obviously in pain in the back of a car at the Zanzibar airport.
They were flown to hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and have since been discharged and police say the women were lucky to escape serious burns.
A spokesman for Art in Tanzania said representatives were today at the Aga Khan Hospital to help the girls, who were also being interviewed by Foreign Office officials and again by police.
Acid attack teenagers seen being taken from airport in Zanzibar
Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup were flown to the Aga Khan Hospital in Tanzania (pictured) and have now been discharged
Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup were flown to the Aga Khan Hospital in Tanzania (pictured) and have now been discharged
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women in hospital and called the attack 'shameful'
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women in hospital and called the attack 'shameful'
Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete visited the two women at the Aga Khan Hospital today.
On arrival at the hospital, the president, surrounded by bodyguards, called the attack 'shameful'.
Urging the police to step up their investigation and catch the culprits, he said: 'This puts the name of our country in the bad-books.'
He also praised the hospital for its efforts in looking after the girls.
Zanzibar Assistant Commissioner of Police Mkadam Khamis told The Evening Standard: 'The doctors said the injuries are relatively minor. There is discoloration but they are not expected to be scarred. It is very fortunate.'
The pair had been volunteering at a local school with the organisation i-to-i Travel.
A spokeswoman said: 'There is a chance that attacks could happen again and we are making sure people are fully aware of the protection procedures.'
The company said in a statement: 'All our efforts remain focused on ensuring they are supported whilst assisting them and their relatives with the arrangements for their return home.
'The motive for the incident is as yet not known and we will await the report from the local authorities in Zanzibar before any comment can be made.
'The female clients had been volunteer teachers on Zanzibar and were in the final week of their trip.'
The company, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, runs gap year trips to parts of Africa, Asia, central and South America and Australia, with trips to teach in Zanzibar starting at £669 for two weeks.
The women were attacked as they walked through the narrow streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
The women were attacked as they walked through the narrow streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
The teenagers ran to the Tembo Hotel (pictured) after the attack by two men on mopeds
The teenagers ran to the Tembo Hotel (pictured) after the attack by two men on mopeds
Deputy police commissioner Mkadam Khamis said: 'Police in Zanzibar have launched a manhunt, and we ask for public assistance in identifying the attackers.
'The motive for the attack on the volunteers, aged 18 years, has not been established.'
Mr Khamis Mkadam said: 'The incident occurred when the streets were deserted as most people were breaking their Ramadan fast.'
Zanzibar, a paradise island around 22 miles off the coast of east Africa, and part of the republic of Tanzania, attracts thousands of British tourists a year.
Police on the island say it is the first time a tourist has been attacked in this way.
However, there have been concerns that religious tension in Zanzibar have increased in recent months.
Said Ali Mbarouk, Minister of Information, said: 'We should cooperate with other government sectors to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
Police said it is the first acid attack on foreigners on the island and have launched a manhunt (file picture)
Police said it is the first acid attack on foreigners on the island and have launched a manhunt (file picture)
Zanzibar
'I beg our nationals in any way this is not something they should be doing because tourism is the strong pillar of our economy so if we do such acts we are killing our economy and our livelihoods in general so it is not an honourable thing to do it's a bad thing and it's supposed to be condemned by all citizens of Zanzibar.'
The Foreign Office travel advice for Tanzania warns that although most visits to the country are trouble-free, 'violent and armed crime is increasing'.
The advice, available on its website, says: 'Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country.'
It adds: 'In Zanzibar incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches.'
The police described the attack as 'an isolated incident', refusing to link it to rising religious tension on the island between majority Muslims and its Christian population.
There have been a series of attacks on Muslim and Christian clergy on the island over the past 12 months.
In November a Muslim cleric was injured in an acid attack and last year four churches were set on fire.
Dr Mike Jennings, a lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, said Muslim group called Uamsho, which translates as 'The Awakening', was a political rather than terrorist organisation and had no known links to Al Qaeda.
He said they want an independent Zanzibar and to introduce Islamic law on the island.
Dr Jennings said: 'It is political with a religious tone. Some people see it is as terrorism, but I don't think it is.
'Maybe this group was behind the attack, although it is too early to say.'
The majority of islanders are Muslim, with Christians making up as little as five per cent of the population.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: 'We are aware of an incident and are providing consular assistance.'
She added that officials became aware of the incident last night.
Zanzibar acid attack: Two British women injured after acid is thrown into their faces on Zanzibar where they were volunteering at local schools | Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
