Dissident republican terrorists are being linked to seven parcel bombs sent to army recruitment offices in south-east England.

Four of the 'viable' explosive devices arrived yesterday, three others came earlier this week. One of the packages bore a Republic of Ireland postmark.

A counter-terrorism operation has been launched.

Dean was selling the Big Issue in Oxford when counter-terrorism police arrived at the recruitment centre there:

The discoveries come after the army and post offices were put on alert after two "basic but viable explosive devices" were found earlier this week by military recruiters.

"Seven suspect packages have been identified as containing small, crude, but potentially viable devices bearing the hallmarks of Northern Ireland-related terrorism," a British government spokesman said.

"These have now been safely dealt with by the police and bomb disposal units.

"Guidance has been issued to staff at all military establishments and Royal Mail asking them to be extra vigilant and to look out for any suspect packages and the screening procedures for mail to Armed Forces Careers offices is being reviewed."

Condemnation

Political leaders in Northern Ireland have condemned those behind the attacks.

Among them was Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt, who said: "This was the work of cowards."

Northern Ireland First Minister Martin McGuinness said on Twitter: "Pipe bombs & letter bombs are an attack on the Peace Process. Those responsible belong in the past, their futile acts must be condemned."

Measured reaction

Detective Superintendent Stan Gilmour, of Sectu, said the contents of the packages were "suspicious in nature" and would be forensically examined.

He said: "Even if the contents are determined to be a viable device, they pose a very low-level threat and are unlikely to cause significant harm or damage."