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Raid reveals truck bomb ingredients

3rd October 1996
Page 8
Page 8, 3rd October 1996 — Raid reveals truck bomb ingredients
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• The raid on an the IRA bomb factory in North London last week found two tonnes of ammonium-nitrate-based fertiliser explosive, almost certainly destined for a truck bomb. Two trucks were also found in the undercover operation which led to the bomb factory.

One wooden crate contained twice the amount of explosive used in the Manchester truck bomb. The IRA has used commercial vehicles for both its previous large explosions, at Canary Wharf and in Manchester. Tonnes of fertiliser are usually mixed with semtex high explosive to make a bomb, although the fertiliser alone can be deadly if handled in the right way.

The latest find supports the long-held contention of independent explosive expert Dr Sidney Alford that ammonium nitrate is the IRA's material of choice for bomb-making.

The fertiliser is routinely carried by hauliers for its legitimate use: Alford believes it should be much more strictly controlled.