Hunt for ISIS 'handler' of Easter bombers

Sri Lankan police are hunting a man in a distinctive red T-shirt who is suspected of being the Easter Sunday bombers’ handler, police sources have revealed.

CCTV footage obtained by MailOnline shows the man apparently acting as a lookout for the terrorist who attacked St Sebastian’s Church, killing more than 100.

Investigators are analysing the footage, hoping that it will help them root out the extensive Islamist cell that remains a threat on the island.

The recording shows the bomber scouting out the church while the alleged handler watches from behind a pillar, sending and receiving messages on his phone.

The bomber is seen wearing the backpack containing the explosives and nervously checking his phone for new instructions.

As he passes his suspected handler, he glances surreptitiously at him. He disappears down the street before coming back into view and making his final journey to the church to blow it up.

Just before the bomb goes off, the man in the red T-shirt vanishes down the road. Then there is an explosion and panic fills the street.

‘This suspect looks very subtle and professional,’ the police inspector in charge of the investigation told MailOnline, on condition of anonymity.

‘It is certain that the bomber did not act alone and we want to trace this man urgently.





MailOnline