DETECTIVES in Oxfordshire are investigating a third letter bomb, sent to a company in the West Midlands, and are linking it to incidents in Oxfordshire in which a woman was injured.
West Midlands Police were called to a company in the Chelmsley Wood area of Birmingham, yesterday afternoon after an A5 jiffy bag containing a crude firework-type explosive was delivered.
Each had a similar return address and a well-known convicted extremist, Barry Horne, was named on the back of one envelope.
In the most serious incident, at Blacklands Way, Abingdon, a 40-year-old woman was injured when the device ignited. She was treated at Abingdon's minor injuries unit.
A spokesman for Orchid Cellmark, the company involved, said: "We are shocked to have been targeted in this way and are relieved that our colleague was not seriously injured.
"We have provided forensic DNA services to the police for twenty years and this is the first time we have experienced anything of this nature.
"We are working closely with Thames Valley Police in the investigation of the incident and are now continuing with our usual business activities".
Acting Deputy Chief Constable Alex Marshall, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Three companies, all of whom provide forensic services to the criminal justice system and police, have been targeted in this series of incidents.
"Although we await full forensic examination, these all appear to have been viable devices and it is fortunate that no one was more seriously hurt.
"Such deliberate attempts to endanger lives are abhorrent and there can be no justification for such action."
An incident room has been established and Thames Valley Police are working closely with West Midlands Police. Detectives are keen to hear from anyone with information which could assist the inquiry team and urge them to get in touch via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre, on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, for those not wishing to speak to police or to leave their name, the Crimestoppers charity can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Click here for earlier story.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article