The head of the Anti-Terrorist Branch of Scotland Yard today said that contingency plans were in place to combat a bombing campaign during the upcoming British general election after a third device exploded in London. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alan Fry said the threat of a terrorist bombing campaign during the election was a major challenge and vowed to do all possible to protect politicians and the public.
Speaking after a suspected Real IRA bomb exploded in Hendon, North London, Mr Fry told reporters at the scene of the blast: "We have seen sustained activity in election campaigns both in '97 and '92. We take note of that, and we will be doing everything possible to secure the safety of those taking part in the election and the general public."
One person was slightly hurt when the explosion rocked a post office sorting depot at 1.40am today. The bomb was placed at exactly the same spot on the pavement where a similar device was detonated three weeks ago, police said. Police sealed off the area around the depot and firefighters and ambulance crews were called to the scene.
It has been speculated that the blast, believed to have been the work of the dissident Republican group the Real IRA, may have been linked to the death of hunger-striker Bobby Sands, who died 20 years ago yesterday.
The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, said any such attacks would be aimed at wrecking the peace process. Dr Reid insisted the strategy would not work, but he said the public should be vigilant.
