DISSIDENTS SEND LETTER BOMB TO SECRETARY OF STATE

Theresa Villiers is the latest target in a dissident republican letter bomb campaign

Theresa Villiers is the latest target in a dissident republican letter bomb campaign

SECRETARY of State Theresa Villiers has been the latest target of a dissident republican letter bomb campaign.

Army technical officers made safe a letter bomb sent through the mail to Stormont Castle in Belfast on Tuesday.

The castle doubles up as offices for the First and deputy first ministers.

During the alert, civil servants were evacuated after the package was found in the post room of the building on Tuesday morning.

It is the latest in a spate of attacks by dissidents.

Two letter bombs were intercepted on Friday – one was addressed to PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and the other was sent to Derry police commander Chief Inspector Jon Burrows.

During the latest attack, the Secretary of State was in London at the time the package was intercepted at Stormont Castle.

She was holding a private meeting with US diplomat Richard Haass to discuss his talks with politicial parties and groups over the issues of flags, parades and the past.

Ms Villiers said: “I utterly condemn the attempted attacks we’ve seen over recent days.

“If those responsible think that this kind of criminal activity will further any agenda, then they are completely mistaken.”

During the alert, First Minister Peter Robinson was moved to Parliament Buildings.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was not in the castle as he is currently on Hallowe’en leave.

The DUP leader Peter Robinson condemned those behind the foiled attack on Ms Villiers.

“Those responsible for sending this, and other devices, through the post have absolutely no regard for the lives of postal workers and staff working in offices,” he said.

“They will not further any aim or objective by their vile and callous deeds. Northern Ireland will not be dragged back by terrorists who have nothing but misery to offer.”

On Monday, Army technical officers made safe a letter bomb found at the newly-opened Public Prosecution Service office in Derry’s Limavady Road.

Share |


One Response to DISSIDENTS SEND LETTER BOMB TO SECRETARY OF STATE

  1. Pingback: NI Musings | What are Dissidents Hoping to Achieve

BD Top 5
FacebookTwitter
BD TV
Email Us