Warning after letter bomb attacks

The explosions happened in Ripon and Patrington

Police are warning anyone connected with the animal trade to be on their guard after two people were injured in separate letter bomb attacks in Yorkshire.

A 58-year-old sheep farmer near Ripon received cuts to his face when a nail bomb exploded as he opened a packet on Friday morning.

In a second incident, a woman was taken to hospital after a device exploded as she opened mail at the estate agency where she works in East Yorkshire.

Members of the farming and agricultural communities ... appear to be targets of these attacks

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Walker

The woman suffered injuries to her face and eyes and was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where she was seen by an eye specialist.

She was later said to be in a "comfortable" condition.

The device was in a padded envelope delivered to Frank Hill and Sons in Market Place, Patrington, near Hull.

The firm deals with livestock auctions.

Earlier attacks

At a press conference in Ripon, North Yorkshire Police deputy chief constable Peter Walker said officers were looking at the possibility that the attack on the farmer was linked to an incident last month.

A Masham company connected with the agricultural industry received an explosive device thorough the post on 15 December.

Mr Walker said there may also be a link with a letter bomb sent to the owner of a pest control business in Congleton, Cheshire, last week.

The package was opened by the owner's six-year-old daughter who suffered leg injuries.

"It is only by good fortune that no-one has been seriously injured or killed," Mr Walker said.

"I am extremely concerned that these devices are being sent through the post in a totally indiscriminate manner.

"We are asking everyone to exercise caution when dealing with their mail, especially members of the farming and agricultural communities who appear to be targets of these attacks."

'Identify routine mail'

Mr Walker said that anyone who received unexpected parcels through the post, particularly with unfamiliar postmarks or unusual packaging, should contact police and not interfere with it.

He said members of the agricultural industry could also help by clearly identifying their packages when sending routine mail.

Mr Walker said that the Ripon nail bomb exploded with enough force to damage furniture.

However the farmer himself suffered only a minor injury.

Bomb squad officers are examining the package sent to the estate agency. The premises have been secured and forensic tests are being carried out.

The company said it had no idea why it had been targeted.