BOMB TERROR RETURNS TO UK
Fears Republican splinter group is responsible
COUNTER-TERROR police launched a massive probe last night after three “firebombs” were found in London.
The devices were discovered in Jiffy bags sent to Waterloo Station, London City Airport and Heathrow Airport.
They all had 2018 Valentine’s Day stamps on them, which were available at Irish post offices.
It sparked fears of a fresh Republican terror campaign in mainland Britain.
Breakaway group the New IRA are believed to have posted the firebombs, which can burst into flames and explode upon opening.
There were fears more of the devices could still be undiscovered in post rooms and mail depots.
A senior Irish source said last night: “If it’s the same people who did this in the 70s, the chances are there will be more.”
The source claimed the attacks may be linked to Brexit, adding: “People believe this is a wake-up call – a warning to show what they could do, the disruption they can cause, if the British abandon the backstop.”
The backstop is a contentious part of Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal that is intended to ensure that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Another source said: “At least one package originated from Dublin and it is believed all are from Ireland. It is most likely to be a New IRA dissident republican attack.”
The New IRA is a paramilitary group formed by dissidents who rejected Northern Ireland’s peace process. In 2014, it sent seven failed letter bombs to British Army and RAF careers offices in England.
Scotland Yard said: “The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command is treating the incidents as a linked series and is keeping an open mind regarding motives.”
The first device was found at 9.55am at the Compass Centre, near Heathrow. It was opened by staff and ignited a small fire but no one was injured. The second package was found in the post room at Waterloo Station at 11.40am. Specialist officers made the device safe. The third bomb was found at offices at London City Airport at 12.10pm. MI5’s threat warning of an Republican attack in Britain remained at “moderate” last night. Senior British security sources said the bombs were more of a “threat” than a bid to cause injuries.