Police investigate claim that 'IRA' sent letter bombs

A group calling itself the IRA - which stands for Irish Republican Army - has claimed responsibility for sending four parcel bombs to three transport hubs in London and the University of Glasgow, according to police.

On March 5 and 6, parcel bombs were sent to buildings located near Heathrow Airport, City Airport and Waterloo Station in London as well as the Scottish university.

The London Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland are jointly investigating the claim which was received on Monday by a media outlet in Northern Ireland using a recognized codeword. No arrests have 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,” the Met Police said in a statement. “However, we continue to keep an open mind and enquiries continue.”

The group also alleges there is a fifth parcel bomb which is yet to be discovered.

“Extensive advice has already been issued to relevant businesses and sectors to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police,” the Met Police said. “This advice was previously sent to armed forces personnel and is being reiterated again in light of this claim.”

The parcel at Waterloo was opened by a staff member and the explosive device was partially initiated, resulting in melting of the packaging. The other three bombs were safely deactivated by authorities before they were opened. No one was hurt in any of the attempted attacks.

The IRA is a group that believes that the whole of Ireland should be an independent republic. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, while the Republic of Ireland is not.

The IRA was involved in The Troubles, otherwise known as the Northern Ireland conflict, which involved a prolonged period of violence in the latter third of last century.