'IRA' Claim Parcel Bomb Responsibility In Correctly Coded Call

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• 'IRA' Claim Parcel Bomb Responsibility In Correctly Coded Call

13 March 2019 | Updated 14 March 2019

A claim has allegedly been made on behalf of the ‘IRA’ for the parcel bombs that were delivered to premises in the UK - using a recognised codeword.

A call was received on Monday March 11 by a media outlet in Northern Ireland outlet stating that the bombs that were delivered on March 5 to London commercial premises -  Compass Centre in Hounslow (West London, towards Heathrow), Waterloo Station and City Aviation House (near London City Airport) - were sent by the IRA.

A similar type of device to those found in London was also been identified at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday, March 6.

As the Provisional IRA has not been active in 20 years, speculation is that the call came from a dissident group associated with Northern Ireland-related terrorism such as the 'Real IRA'.

The packages are designed to cause a small fire when opened. Thanks to the vigilance of post-room staff at the premises where the devices were sent, only one was opened and sparked in to life causing little damage. All premises were evacuated.

"A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police force, which leads on terrorism in the UK, said: "Given the packages received last week bore similarities to devices sent in the past which were linked to dissident groups, officers were already looking at this as a line of enquiry. However, we continue to keep an open mind and enquiries continue."

Delayed in the post?

The spokesperson also said: "We are also aware that those claiming responsibility have indicated five devices were sent. At this time, only four devices have been recovered."

It was believed that the missing device was posted to a British Army Recruitment Office, however the main building at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich was evacuated on March 12 after a suspicious package was found in the post-room at 9:30am. Students were evacuated and a cordon drawn up. The all clear was given very quickly - Police Suffolk have not confirmed or denied if a device has been found.

The four devices received last week were all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags.

Warnings

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 latest claim.

No charge

A man arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command has been released without charge.  The 20-year old's arrest was not connected to the investigation into parcel bombs.

Picture: The University of Suffolk in Ipswich was evacuated on March 12 after a suspicious package was found in the post-room.

The Provisional IRA called a final ceasefire in July 1997 and following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement disarmed in 2005. However, weapons and explosives are suspected of being retained under the control of individuals and groups who did not agree with Peace Agreement.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 13 March 2019

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