Rebel Irish terrorists suspected of planting torch bomb
The torch bomb which seriously injured a teenager at a London TA base bears all the hallmarks of terrorist groups, an expert says.
Groups such as the Real IRA can build many types of devices, said Professor Paul Wilkinson, director of the centre for the study of terrorism and political violence at St Andrews University.
He said the bomb which went off at the White City base was too advanced and potentially deadly to have been a prank.
"Army cadets may have some disciplinary problems but they don't normally have access to the sort of thing that could cause this amount of damage," Prof Wilkinson said.
"There are a number of groups who make bombs of this sort, disguised as everyday objects. I have not come across a torch before, though."
The bomb was probably of straightforward construction, using techniques from experience with larger devices, Prof Wilkinson said.
It was likely to be fitted with a trip switch to detonate when the "torch" was switched on, or possibly a timer.
Prof Wilkinson said: "What they must do now is to identify the hallmarks of a particular bombmaker in the construction of the device.
"Unless there are any indications to the contrary, I think dissident Irish republicans must be the most likely line of inquiry.
"They have been fairly innovative in making custom-built devices recently. Many of them have been recruited from the provisionals, and so are experienced people. But one cannot discount other groups at this stage."
