Security services on alert after bomb threat

Police and troops in Northern Ireland were on full alert today after a failed bomb attack on a high security prison.

As Secretary of State Dr John Reid and the Justice Minister John O’Donoghue signed an intergovernmental agreement on cross-border policing, it was revealed that a vehicle used to transport a bomb weighing nearly 150lb and left outside Maghaberry Jail, near Lisburn, Co Antrim, was stolen in Dublin.

The detonator exploded, but the bomb did not go off.

Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process have been blamed for the attack.

On Friday, police in Belfast intercepted a van bomb which they believe was going to be left outside the offices of the Ulster Unionist Party near the city centre.

The white Mitsubishi four wheel drive vehicle abandoned with the bomb at Maghaberry last night was stolen in Dublin a fortnight ago.

A senior security source said today: ‘‘Security has been heightened at all police and military bases. Even before Friday, we knew they (the dissidents) were planning something major.’’

Earlier this month a perimeter wall at the police training college in Belfast was blasted.

The Lagan Valley Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson, whose constituency includes Maghaberry, urged the Government to call a halt to its demilitarisation programme while rogue paramilitaries still pose a major threat.

Indicating either Real IRA or Continuity IRA involvement, he said: ‘‘It seems it may have been the work of dissident republicans and represents a further threat to the peace process.

‘‘It also demonstrates why the Government needs to maintain a high level of security.

‘‘Any thought they might have had for further reductions in security should now be set aside.’’

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a number of men were seen to make off in a second car after abandoning the jeep.

‘‘A short time later, the jeep exploded,’’ said a force spokesman. ‘‘There are no reports of injuries.’’

The explosion at Maghaberry occurred at a perimeter gate, usually manned by staff who check identification coming into the jail.

A two-minute warning was given, allowing a full evacuation of the area.

Around 700 prison officers and up to 500 prisoners are housed in the complex.

Detectives in Lisburn said the scene was today cordoned off and appealed for witnesses and information.

Finlay Spratt, chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association, said his members were being targeted continuously.

‘‘They talk about ceasefires, but there’s no ceasefire for prison officers.

‘‘Prison officers are constantly under threat and there have been attacks on prison officers’ homes in the last five to six months.’’

Dr Reid said: ‘‘Is this process irreversible and inevitable?

‘‘I have always said it’s not irreversible and it’s not inevitable that it will succeed.

‘‘It will only succeed by the constant application of parties on the ground rules they have set themselves.’’

Chief Superintendent Roy Toner said the terrorists gave no warning of the attack.

Prison officers spotted the vehicle at about the same time as police noticed suspicious activity in the area.

‘‘Had the bomb gone off, as intended, there would have been substantial damage and possible loss of life,’’ Mr Toner said.

He also confirmed a heightened state of alert in the Lisburn and greater Belfast areas.

A Honda Accord car later found abandoned in Lurgan, County Armagh, might have been used as the getaway vehicle.