An apparently new republican paramilitary group has claimed responsibility for a range of attacks on unionist politicians. In a statement, the Revolutionary Republican Strike Force (RRSF) said it has sent elaborate hoax bombs to the UK Unionist party leader, Mr Bob McCartney, and two unionist councillors, Mr Fred Cobain and Mr Sammy Wilson.
The group also claimed responsibility for bomb warnings outside Ulster Unionist headquarters in Glengall Street and the Progressive Unionist Party offices on the Shankill Road. It said that it had threatened certain workers in the Department of Health and Social Services, alleging that they were guilty of "anti-social behaviour".