Police in Northern Ireland were today investigating claims that Sinn Féin election posters in the Mid Ulster area had been booby-trapped - just as party workers were taking them down following polling.
The RUC said it had made contact with Sinn Féin representatives to warn them after they had been given information of a potential threat.
John Kelly, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Mid-Ulster, said it was clear police were taking the threat seriously.
"I had a visit from the local constabulary at about 2.30 a.m. this morning to tell me they had information that Sinn Féin posters in South Derry and East Derry had been booby-trapped and we should not approach them.
"In view of the fact he was formally advising me that they were booby-trapped and formally advising me I should advise Sinn Féin activists not to approach these posters, they are presumably taking this very seriously," he said.
The RUC said it had been given information by a local newspaper that it had been informed Sinn Féin election posters in East Tyrone and South Derry had been booby-trapped.
A spokesman said there were further claims of devices being planted at Gaelic Athletic Association sports grounds across the province, which were also being investigated.
PA