Police: Sunday's attack had roots in assassination of underworld boss two years ago

A Czech investigator has said that a blast that injured 18 people in downtown Prague on Sunday has roots in the assassination of Israeli underworld boss Felix Abutbul in Prague two years ago, gunned down near his Casino Royal in the capital's Na Prikope Street. The investigator said that Sunday's attack, aimed at Mr Abutbul's son Assaf as he arrived in his car, was part of a continuing settling of accounts between two underworld families, whose battles have targeted several in various cities around the world, including in Israel. Police are now putting together a composite of the assailant who managed to escape the scene of the crime in the confusion following the blast.

Czech politicians have said an investigation would be held to ensure adequate security especially near gambling sites, while Prague's Deputy Mayor Rudolf Blazek added police would be consulted to determine possible increases in security measures.