Real IRA: We firebombed British stores

Republicans in the dissident Real IRA today admitted firebombing British-owned stores near the border.

They claimed they left six incendiary devices which destroyed the shops in Newry, Co Down.

Their admission came as council chiefs and business leaders met in emergency session and pledged to get the businesses up and running again following the attacks in the early hours of Wednesday.

SDLP mayor Michael Carr said: “The Real IRA should examine their motives. Their cause is not a blow for Ireland, but a blow against their own communities.”

Shops owned by TK Maxx, JJB Sports, MFI and Carpetright were all destroyed, causing damage worth tens of millions of pounds.

The Real IRA is the organisation which bombed Omagh eight years ago, killing 29 people and injuring more than 300 others.

All sides were represented at today’s meeting to discuss the future of the four stores. No jobs have been lost at this stage.

Mr Carr added: “These businesses will be given every support, including attempts to have them temporarily re-located as soon as possible.”

The terrorist organisation also claimed they left devices on the Belfast-Dublin railway line at the same time as the incendiaries were planted, and warned people to stay away from the city’s Barcroft Park as some may not have exploded.