BOMB EXPLOSIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 January 1939, Page 7

BOMB EXPLOSIONS

LONDON MYSTERY

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

(Received January 17, 11.39 a.m.) LONDON, January IG. A mysterious explosion, attributed to ?, bomb, occurred at Southwark at six t.m., and was heard for miles in southeast London.

The explosion was accompanied by a blinding flash. It broke numerous windows within a hundred yards, and blew a two-foot hole in the cement between the footpath and the control room of the Central Electricity Board, which was not damaged, as the building was made; bombproof after the crisis.

No one was injured, but there were many escapes from broken glass. Home Office and Scotland Yard experts later searched the neighbouihoed. The “Evening Uews" says the police are working on the theory that a dynamite or gelignite bomb was exploded for political motive. Another explosion occurred at Harlesden at six a.m., where the cables are carried over the canal. Officials say the explosion was not connected with electricity, and must have

been an outside agency. Other explosions in the centre of Manchester killed one and, injured tv, o, and also fractured a gas main, which was set on fire and did further damage, but these explosions are attributed to an electric cable fusing.

It is believed that time bombs were used at Southward and Harlesden. Scotland Yard, it is understood, are working on the theory of sabotage. A number of people were treated for shock at Southwark.

IRISH REPUBLICANS?

LONDON, January 16

Police patrols nightlong wore guarding vulnerable points of electricity, gas and water systems, throughout Britain, after the explosions, which are believed to have been caused by home-made bombs. Scotland Yard is working with the Political Branch on the theory that the explosions are related to the Irish Republican manifesto. The explosions did only slight damage at. Alnwick. Another explosion occurred at tl\e Birmingham electrical power station. It is reported to have damaged one of the cooling towers, but the supply was not affected and nobody was injured.

The Northumberland police report an attempt to blow up an electric pylon near Alnwick.