Wokingham, England – A suspected letter bomb exploded at an outsourcing company Tuesday at the start of the workday, officials said, injuring two employees in the second attack of its kind this week.
An item of mail “likely” ignited and caused a “small explosion,” Thames Valley police said in a statement. Officials said two people in the office of Vantis PLC, a tax and accounting company, were slightly injured.
On Monday, a padded envelope exploded at an office belonging to Capita Group PLC, which administers a $16 daily charge aimed at cutting traffic congestion in central London. The company also collects television license fees.
A Vantis spokesman confirmed the attack had occurred at the company’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Irish Republican Army used letter bombs in the early 1970s as part of its campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland, targeting numerous British government offices. The tactic maimed dozens of people but killed nobody.
In recent years, animal-rights activists have also sent letter bombs to people involved in animal testing.
