Bulgarian prosecutor says bomber tried to rent car

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — A Bulgarian prosecutor says the man who blew himself up on a bus full of Israeli tourists, killing himself and six others, had attempted to rent a car but was turned down because his ID appeared suspicious.

Authorities are looking for clues as to who the suspect was, using his fingerprints, his DNA and his fake Michigan driver’s license. Bulgarian Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Friday that the bomber was not a Bulgarian citizen.

Prosecutor Kalina Chapkanova said in a TV interview Friday that prior to the attack the man tried to rent a car in the town of Pomorie, near the site of the bombing. She said the owner of the rental agency became suspicious of his license and refused to conclude the deal.

Chapkanova quoted the agency owner as saying that the suspect spoke English with a “specific” accent. She refused to provide details.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.