THE IRA ARE BACK!
Horror as terror group claims to be responsible for bombs
OFFICERS investigating devices sent to addresses in London and Glasgow have confirmed a claim of responsibility has been made in the name of the “IRA”.
The Met and Police Scotland said similar packages were sent in the past by dissident Northern Ireland groups.
Police also revealed that one package may be unaccounted for.
The devices arrived on March 5 and 6 at Waterloo Station, buildings near Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and the University of Glasgow.
A joint statement from Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police yesterday said the claim of “IRA” responsibility was received on Monday by the Belfast-based Irish News, and that a recognised codeword was used.
It added: “Given the packages received last week bore similarities to devices sent in the past which were linked to dissident groups associated with Northern Ireland-related terrorism, officers were already looking at this as a line of inquiry.
“However, we continue to keep an open mind and enquiries continue.
“We are also aware that those claiming responsibility have indicated five devices were sent. At this time, only four have been recovered.
Vigilant
“Extensive advice has already been issued to relevant businesses and sectors to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police.
“This advice was previously sent to armed forces personnel and is being reiterated again in light of this claim.
“We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”
The parcel bomb incidents come almost a year after MI5 downgraded the threat posed in Britain by Irish Republicans.
It is currently classified as “moderate”, meaning attacks are possible, but not likely.
In Northern Ireland, the risk is greater, exemplified by a car bomb detonating in Londonderry in January.
All the attacks were claimed by an organisation calling itself the IRA.
It’s often referred to as “the new IRA”, to distinguish it from the Provisional IRA.
The Provos were active in Northern Ireland and on the mainland – detonating, for example, a huge bomb in Manchester city centre in 1996 – during the Troubles.