/ 6 February 2007

UK police say two hurt by suspected letter bomb

Two people were hurt on Tuesday when a suspected letter bomb exploded at a business centre in Berkshire, southern England, police said.

”Emergency services are dealing with a small explosion at a company in Oaklands Business Centre, Wokingham,” they added in a statement.

Police were called just after 09h00 GMT and evacuated the building and placed a cordon around the scene. ”It is likely an item of mail ignited and caused the injuries,” the statement said.

Sources connected with Vantis, a business services firm, said it was the target of the attack.

Police said it was too soon to say whether Tuesday’s incident was connected with a letter bomb that exploded at a business in London on Monday.

An ambulance service spokesperson said paramedic teams treated two male members of staff in their 30s for blast injuries to their hands and upper body.

”Their injuries were not considered serious and they did not need treatment in hospital,” he said.

On Monday a letter bomb exploded at the London headquarters of Capita, the company which administers the British capital’s traffic congestion charge. One woman employee was injured.

Media reports on Tuesday said Vantis was also involved in the administration of traffic charges, including the collection of speeding fines. — Reuters