IRA bomb expert apologises for Birmingham pub attack

u An IRA bombmaker who has admitted being part of the group responsible for the Birmingham pub attacks has apologised to relatives of those killed.

Michael Christopher Hayes said he was sorry that innocent people died in the 1974 twin blasts that killed 21. The 69-year-old, who lives in south Dublin, refused to say if he had planted any of the bombs, but told the BBC he was speaking out “to give the view of a participant”.

He said he was sorry for the hurt caused to the relatives of those killed in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town.

“My apologies and my heartfelt sympathy to all of you for a terrible tragic loss that you have been put through,” he said.

“I apologise not only for myself, I apologise for all active republicans who had no intention of hurting anybody and sympathise with you.”

Relatives of those killed have rejected the apology as “gutless and spineless”.

Visitors to Gwithian beach on the North Cornish coast may have spotted an unusual wreck emerging from its sandy grave at low tide in recent weeks. Shifting sands and big spring tides have revealed part of a Land Rover, above, that was last seen disappearing under a rising tide in 1990.