A group calling itself the IRA claimed responsibility for a series of explosive devices sent to locations in London and Glasgow last week, police said Tuesday.
In a joint statement, the Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland said the claim was made to a media outlet in Northern Ireland “using a recognised codeword.”
“We are also aware that those claiming responsibility have indicated five devices were sent. At this time, only four devices have been recovered.”
The statement continued: “Extensive advice has already been issued to relevant businesses and sectors to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police. This advice was previously sent to armed forces personnel and is being reiterated again in light of this claim.
“Given the packages received last week bore similarities to devices sent in the past which were linked to dissident groups associated with Northern Ireland-related terrorism, officers were already looking at this as a line of enquiry.”
Last week, police said “three suspicious packages” were discovered near Waterloo tube station in London as well as Heathrow and London City airports. A day later, another device was sent to the University of Glasgow.
All three London packages had stamps from the Irish Republic and had Dublin as the return address.