Anti-terrorist police in Britain are working to combat a possible General Election bombing campaign after a device exploded at a London post office this morning.
Scotland Yard's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mr 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.
One person was slightly hurt when the explosion rocked a post office sorting depot in Hendon, north London, at 1.40am. The bomb was placed at exactly the same spot on the pavement where a similar device was detonated three weeks ago.
Speaking after the suspected Real IRA bomb, 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."
The blast blew out windows at the office, but otherwise there was only minor damage. Police sealed off the area around the depot and firefighters and ambulance crews were called to the scene.
The blast, believed to be the work of the dissident republican group the Real IRA, could be linked to the death of hunger striker Bobby Sands, who died 20 years ago yesterday.
The blast three weeks ago also blew out the windows at the depot. The explosion at 11.30pm on April 14 was also believed to have been the work of the Real IRA. That device contained between half and one pound of high explosives and was a similar size to the one at Hammersmith Bridge in June last year.
That explosion came just six weeks after the bombing of the BBC TV Centre.
"Lightning doesn't normally strike twice but it has this time," local MP Mr Michael Dinsmore said.
"The Real IRA must remain the main suspect in the eyes of the public and if this is the case then they are working against the democratic process wanted by the people of Ireland," he added.
PA