White Widow: Banbridge schoolgirl turned Islamic terrorist connected to 7/7 attacks remains at large
The so-called 'White Widow' is one of the world's most wanted Islamic terror suspects.
Samantha Lewthwaite has been linked to 400 deaths and the 7/7 attacks, and is alleged to remain at large in Somalia.
She's been on the wanted list in multiple countries for 20 years – and she's from Banbridge.
After spending her early years in the county Down town she moved with family to Elsbury, near Birmingham.
After converting to Islam in her late teens, she married Germaine Lindsay – who would later become infamous for his role as a suicide bomber in the London 7/7 attacks in 2005.
The White Widow is rumoured to currently be in the company of terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
How did she go from County Down school girl to a hunted Al-Qaebeda suspect?
Belfast Telegraph reporter James McNaney has been researching this extraordinary story, he joins Ciarán Dunbar.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
21 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Footballer ‘who made profound impact' dies three weeks after road collision on Twelfth
Aaron Moffett (38) was involved in a collision near Markethill while making his way back from the Twelfth demonstrations in Keady on Saturday July 12. The crash happened on the Coolmillish Road at around 4.30pm. Aaron was being treated in hospital prior to his passing. DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley posted on Facebook on Friday evening: 'It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Aaron Moffett this evening. 'Since the accident on 12th July, countless prayers have been said on Aaron's behalf. 'He was a man who made a profound impact on so many across so many walks of life. 'We are holding the entire Moffett and Robinson families and friends in our thoughts and prayers at this time. 'No words can adequately describe the deep sorry we all feel at this difficult time.' Mr Buckley told the Belfast Telegraph that Aaron's family are 'devastated'. 'He was a popular young man and they are a well-respected family; it is just devastating,' he said. 'He was known in so many circles and was so highly regarded, it was news no one wanted to hear. 'He fought a brave fight but he has unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and my thoughts go out to his wife Lindsey and mum and dad and sisters and brothers in laws and many uncles and aunties.' The Portadown man was from the Knocknamuckley area and previously played for Dollingstown FC as captain and Loughgall FC. Loughgall FC expressed "great sadness' at the news of his passing adding how he 'battled hard right to the very end.' 'Our sincere condolences to Aaron's wife Lindsey, his parents John and Florence and the rest of the Moffett and Robinson family circle at this incredibly difficult time,' they said. 'We extend our deepest condolences to Dollingstown Football Club who Aaron served with incredible distinction over the past couple of decades.' Portadown BBOB FC posted on Facebook: 'It is with a heavy heart, that we have heard the sad news of Aaron Moffett passing away. 'It's hard to find the right words to express the deep sorrow that will be felt throughout the club. 'Aaron touched so many lives and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. 'Please keep Aaron's wife Lindsey, his parents John and Florence and rest of his family and loved ones in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. 'Aaron will be deeply missed and forever remembered.' News Catch Up - Friday 1st August After the accident Dollingstown chairperson, Hubert Watson, said Aaron was with the club for 18 years and was loved and admired by everyone. 'Thirteen years as club captain and then once he retired, he became the club's secretary,' he said. "Throughout his playing career he lifted 14 or 15 trophies for the club, and he has been a leader both on and off the pitch.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Dwight Muhammad Qawi's death sees boxing lose a true legend and huge influence
Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died at the age of 72 and Barry McGuigan pays tribute to the influential fighter who fought against the likes of Leon Spinks and Evander Holyfield Boxing lost an all-time great this week with the passing of Dwight Muhammad Qawi. It was because of fighters like him, a full-on, aggressive, attacking fighter, that I fought the way I did, swarming all over people trying to knock the living day lights out of them. I remember Qawi as Dwight Braxton before he converted to Islam. They called him the Camden Buzzsaw after the town in New Jersey where he grew up. He was only 5ft 7ins but ended his career as a heavyweight. As a cruiserweight he gave Evander Holyfield a terrific battle in their first fight, but it was at light heavyweight that he shone, this chunky, tough marauder throwing punches in bunches like a featherweight. There was nothing featherweight when they landed. Qawi, a convicted armed robber, did not learn to box until he entered Rahway State Prison, New Jersey, which ran a boxing programme for inmates. Among the incarcerated was light heavyweight contender James Scott, who fought the majority of his career inside, including an unbelievable contest with Qawi himself after his release. Qawi had no qualms about returning behind bars and you could not take your eyes of it from start to finish. It turned out to be Scott's last fight, Qawi edging a close decision. His next fight against another Muslim convert and fearsome puncher Matthew Saad Muhammad was a barnburner. I thought it would be a hard fight for Qawi but he was just relentless. You can watch that fight every day of the week and not get bored. Everybody was scared of Saad's power, but Qawi just walked straight up to him, closed him down, pushed him back and bullied him, stopping Saad in the tenth. That is the way he beat everybody, on the front foot letting those vicious combinations go. He stopped Saad in five in their second meeting and had another notable victory against Leon Spinks before stepping up to face Holyfield. Qawi was one of the most exciting fighters I ever saw. In a light heavyweight division crammed with talent, really exceptional fighters and mostly big six-footers, Qawi turned out to be the best of the lot. I met in him 2005 when I was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I told him how much I admired him. He was thrilled. I'm glad I got the chance to tell him in person what a significant fighter he was and that he set my world alight. Boxing also said goodbye this week to trainer Don Turner, who was in Holyfield's corner for those incredible wins over Mike Tyson. RIP both, you did our sport proud.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Moment ride snaps in half mid-air at Saudi Arabian theme park, leaving 23 injured
A theme park ride in Saudi Arabia snapped in half mid-air, sending riders plummeting to the ground and injuring 23 people. Video footage shared on Thursday (31 July) shows riders onboard the 360 Big Pendulum ride at Green Mountain Park in the Al-Hada area of Taif screaming as they swing from side to side. Suddenly, the ride drops to the floor whilst on the upward swing, with the pendulum appearing to smash into some of the riders. Eyewitnesses said the pole 'recoiled at high speed' before it came hurtling down, The Sun reports. Three of those injured are in a critical condition following the incident and an investigation has been launched.
