UK - Explosive packages found at Heathrow, Waterloo and London City Airport, March 5 2019

[HayLouise]

The IRA has claimed responsibility for a series of letter bombssent to addresses in England and Scotland last week, the Met Police has confirmed.

A man claiming to represent a dissident Republican organisation, contacted a media organisation in Northern Ireland on Monday and used a recognised codeword to make the claim.

Four devices were identified last week at transport hubs in London and at Glasgow University, although the person claiming responsibility stated that five devices had been sent.

Police said relevant businesses and sectors had been warned to remain vigilant for potential devices.

'IRA' claim responsibility for letter bombs - but say they sent another one not yet found

 

[HayLouise]

Counter terror police were called in last week when a suspicious package sent to Heathrow Airport, ignited and burst into flames when it was opened.

A short time later suspicious devices were also identified at Waterloo station and City Airport, although they were made safe before they were opened.

The following day a similar device was identified at Glasgow University in Scotland, leading to an evacuation of students.

A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed that someone claiming to represent the IRA had claimed responsibility for sending the devices.

The spokesman said: "The claim was received on Monday 11 March by a media outlet in Northern Ireland outlet using a recognised codeword.


"The claim was allegedly made on behalf of the ‘IRA’.


'IRA' claim responsibility for letter bombs - but say they sent another one not yet found

 

[HayLouise]

"The investigations into these devices continue and relevant enquiries are being made in relation to the claim that has been made.

"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 enquiry.

"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 devices have been recovered.

When the suspicious packages were reported to the police

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.



'IRA' claim responsibility for letter bombs - but say they sent another one not yet found

 

[dotr]

Police probe 'IRA' link to suspect devices
"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 which detonated in Londonderry in January.

All the attacks were claimed by an organisation calling itself the IRA.

It is often referred to as "the new IRA", to distinguish it from the group which was active in Northern Ireland's troubles.

It is comprised of dissidents who never accepted its namesake's ceasefire more than 20 years ago.

Police on both sides of the Irish Sea have mostly been able to contain its threat.

They have described it as "a small" organisation, perhaps with 50 or so actively engaging in terrorist activity."