Gardai hurt examining device

Two gardai were slightly injured yesterday while examining an explosive device at Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin…

Two gardai were slightly injured yesterday while examining an explosive device at Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

The device was received by gardai on Tuesday but is understood to be one of a number mailed by the Loyalist Volunteer Force to addresses in the Republic two months ago. The other video cassette-style firebombs were located and neutralised safely soon after delivery, but the latest device, which was sent to a city centre hotel, aroused no suspicions and was regarded as an innocent package until this week, it is understood.

It activated while being examined by two members of the Garda technical bureau, who were treated by a doctor attached to Garda headquarters.

Neither of the gardai involved was badly hurt.