BRITISH anti terrorist officers are claiming they prevented a massive IRA bomb attack on London's utilities by just a "few hours" yesterday after discovering a "substantial" bomb making factory at two houses in the city.
Following pre-dawn raids by anti-terrorist officers and Scotland Yard's specialist 5019 firearms unit at houses in Tooting and Peckham Rye, south London, seven men were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They are being questioned about the recent IRA bombing campaign in Britain, including the attack on Canary Wharf. Some are said to be from Northern Ireland.
After describing the discovery as significant, Commander John Grieve, head of the anti-terrorist branch, said although no explosives had been found at the addresses, officers had seized a large haul of bomb making equipment capable of producing over 36 devices.
He repeatedly stressed that the find had prevented a major IRA attack on London. "I believe we were only a few hours away from grave loss of life and serious disruption to the ways of the capital and the south east .... A substantial amount of bomb making equipment was recovered at these addresses, including components to make 36 devices.
We recovered a quantity of documentation, including maps and false identities, for those who had been targeting London's utilities."
Although Commander Grieve refused to specify the exact targets, he said it appeared the IRA had been planning to bomb London's gas, electricity and water supplies.
He said the seven men, some of whom are from Northern Ireland, would initially bee questioned about the failed operation. Officers were also planning to raid several other addresses.
The arrests followed a massive intelligence operation mounted by the anti-terrorist squad, the Special Branch and MI5. Residents of Woodbury Street, Tooting, south London, were awakened at 2.30 a.m. by the sound of gun shots. It is believe armed officers fired CS pellets through the bedroom windows to stun the four occupants, who were all arrested.
Mrs Hilary Williams (31), a neighbour, said she heard about seven shots. "I could see someone lying on the pavement and police attending to them. The police were here all night."
Simultaneously, three other men were arrested at a house in Lughard Road, Peckham Rye, south London. One witness, who refused to give his name, said. "I have been told that someone saw men running around with guns and telephoned the police. They were told that the gunmen were the police.
"I was coming back from a night out and heard what sounded like gun shots. I looked out my window and saw torches being flashed over there. The police had sealed off the street and about half an hour later two or three police vans with their lights flashing were escorted out of a side turning."
Anti terrorist officers also raided two addresses in Wandsworth and Southfields, southwest London, but made no arrests.
Meanwhile, Manchester police announced yesterday that they had found the getaway car the three IRA terrorists used after planting a 11/2 tonne lorry bomb which devastated the city last month.