IRA Claims Responsibility For London & Glasgow Parcel Bombs

A group calling itself "the IRA" has claimed responsibility for multiple parcel bombs sent to major transport hubs in England and Scotland last week.

The packages which contained devices designed to start a small fire were posted to Waterloo railway station, offices at Heathrow and London City airports and the University of Glasgow.

The Metropolitan Police issued a statement earlier today: "The Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland are aware of the claim of responsibility for the devices that were received at three buildings in London and at the University of Glasgow on 5 and 6 March.

"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'.

"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."

The claim was made to The Irish News, and those responsible also said that a fifth device was posted but has not yet been discovered.

Relevant businesses and sectors have been provided with extensive advice and are encouraged to remain vigilant.



(JG/MH)