A MAN launched a firebomb attack today against an asylum-seeker facility in Dover before killing himself, according to reports. 

The alleged attacker is said to have driven up to the Western Jet Foil centre, where small boat arrivals are first taken after landing on Britain’s shores, this morning. 

He then got out of his car and hurled several petrol bombs with fireworks attached at the centre, a photographer for Reuters, who witnessed the incident, reported. The agency also reported that the man then killed himself. 

Kent Police said they were called at 11.22am today to the centre, where two or three incendiary devices had caused a fire. 

One minor injury was reported. Police were unable to confirm reports that the suspect had died and said inquiries were ongoing. 

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at Western Jet Foil, Dover, and police are in attendance. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Charities have called on the government to condemn the attack. 

Detention Action Tweeted: “We’re deeply alarmed at reports of a violent attack on people seeking asylum held at a processing centre in Dover this morning. 

“This government must condemn today’s attack and take every step possible to protect the safety, rights and welfare of the people seeking asylum in their care.”

Others have suggested that the government’s anti-refugee rhetoric is partly to blame for the attack. 

Care4Calais founder Clare Moseley said in comments to the Guardian: “The rhetoric from this government’s ministers is shocking and divisive. 

“It would be kinder and more effective to simply help people rather than continue this damaging campaign that tears the fabric of our society and leads to events such as these.”