SCOTLAND YARD warned yesterday that a man who has waged a 15 month parcel bomb campaign against Barclays Bank to extort £1 million may now target other financial companies.
Anti terrorist officers have tried to negotiate with the extortionist, who calls himself "Mardi Gra", through the personal columns of several newspapers, but he has indicated that his campaign will continue and spread unless he receives the money.
Scotland Yard decided to release details of its undercover operation after the bomber sent a "warning" letter to a national newspaper last week. His last two devices have also been larger, prompting fears that he is stepping up his campaign, which began in Christmas 1994.
In his letter, the bomber stated: "Mardi Gra is the codename of a small group of Barclays Bank victims who are in the process of reversing the tide of fortune into their favour." Earlier devices the letter said, were designed as "frighteners" to demonstrate political will, ability to strike and access to a constant supply of explosive material.
Twenty five parcel bombs have been sent to Barclays banks in north and central London and to several shops which have connections with the bank.
The devices, which are hidden in video boxes or books, contain a shotgun cartridge linked to a spring and a simple mechanism to fire the cartridge as the parcel is opened.
Police believe the bomber could be a former police officer or military explosives expert who has a grudge against Barclays. But psychologists suggest he may be a businessman who has been made bankrupt by the company, or a former employee.