Police warn of UK bomb threat

LONDON, England -- Police in the UK are warning of a possible bombing campaign in the run-up to the general election after a device exploded in the capital on Sunday.

Scotland Yard Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alan Fry said the threat of a terrorist campaign during the election was "a major challenge" and vowed to do all possible to protect politicians and the public.

Speaking after a suspected Real IRA bomb exploded in Hendon, north London, Mr Fry told reporters at the scene of the blast: "We have seen sustained activity in election campaigns both in 1997 and 1992.

"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."

One person was slightly hurt when the explosion rocked a post office sorting depot at 01:40 a.m. (12:40 GMT) on Sunday.

The bomb was placed at exactly the same spot on the pavement where a similar device was detonated three weeks ago, police said.

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 on Saturday.

Referring to the significance of the date, Mr Fry said: "We identify anniversary dates and we take the necessary precautions.

"Unfortunately we are looking for a needle in a a haystack and you cannot hope to be able to prevent any such outrage as this."

One passer-by suffered minor injuries, but refused hospital treatment, police said.

The blast blew out windows at the office, but otherwise there was only minor damage, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Fry said: "It was half a pound of high explosives, sufficient to cause serious injuries or even death."

The came six weeks after a bomb blast rocked BBC TV Centre in London.

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