Intelligence chief says there is no proof of link between killer and English extremists

Published on Wednesday 27 July 2011 18:52

THERE is no evidence of links between mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik and the English far-right, according to Norway's domestic intelligence chief.

Janne Kristiansen, said no proof has yet been found to connect the 32-year-old gunman to UK extremists.

It has been widely reported the man who admitted killing 76 people in twin attacks in Oslo and Utoya on Friday had made internet postings on British nationalist websites.

But Ms Kristiansen said: "I can tell you, at this moment in time, we don't have evidence or we don't have indications that he has been part of a broader movement or that he has been in connection with other cells or that there are other cells."

The intelligence chief said she did not believe the killer was insane, but calculating and evil, and someone who sought the limelight.

Breivik has admitted he was behind the atrocities, but denies criminal responsibility and has pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces.

In his manifesto, which he sent out prior to going on his murderous rampage, Breivik said he was inspired following a meeting in the UK in 2002.

He said an Englishman, who he described as "Richard (the Lionhearted)", was his mentor.

Last night, it was reported that Paul Ray, a former member of the English Defence League and author of the blog "Lionheart", was the person he was referring to.

However, Mr Ray, who split from the EDL years ago, denied any connection to Breivik.

He denied being at a 2002 meeting in London, which Breivik claimed gave birth to a group called the Knights Templar of Europe.

"I'd like to express my deepest sympathy to the people of Norway and to the families who have lost children," Mr Ray said.