Tunisia attacks: UK police find 'strong evidence' of links between Bardo Museum killings and Sousse beach massacre

Scotland Yard said it is now linking evidentially the Bardo Museum investigation with the Sousse investigation

Members of the Tunisian security services stand guard during a memorial ceremony and minutes silence for the victims of the Sousse terror attack

Scotland Yard has found “strong” evidence to link the Tunisia beach massacre in Sousse where 38 tourists were killed with the attack on the country’s National Bardo Museum, where 22 people were killed in March.

The gunman, Seifeddine Rezgui, killed some 30 Britons when he opened fire on tourists at the Tunisian beach in June.

Rezgui was shot and killed by police and the terror group Isis (also known as Islamic State) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Just months earlier, a group of mostly tourists were killed in the suspected terror attack on the country’s National Bardo Museum, just outside the city of Tunis.

The Metropolitan Police supplied officers to help the Tunisian investigation into the massacres, and have now found evidence to link the two attacks.

Richard Walton, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We are now linking evidentially the Bardo Museum investigation with the Sousse investigation.”

He did not provide more details of the suspected connection but said "it is strong evidence, that links the two," adding that a team of officers are working closely with the Tunisian authorities on both inquiries.

The coroner in the UK has also been told about the link.

Tunisian police have arrested nine people over the museum attack and 150 over the Sousse attack, of which 15 have been charged with terrorism offences.

Mr Walton said Rezgui's family have not yet claimed his body due to the shame and fear of reprisal.

The Foreign Office is warning against all but essential travel for the majority of Tunisia (FCO)

Specialist advisors have been sent to Tunisia as its authorities assess security at resorts and tourist attractions.

Since the day of the Sousse attack British officers have now taken a total of 459 witness statements in the country, while more than 370 photograph and video files from mobile devices are being assessed by detectives, Scotland Yard revealed.

Authorities in Tunisia have deployed "significant resource" into the investigation, Mr Watson said, disclosing that operations have been carried out across the country to disrupt terrorist activity and identify suspects.

He said those charged in these operations face allegations of being involved in a terrorist plot, not informing police of a plan and providing logistical or other support, among others.

It could take up to 18 months for a trial to take place in relation to the murders, however.

Additional reporting by PA