Car bomb injures soldier in Northern Ireland

A soldier was recovering yesterday after being slightly injured when a car bomb exploded in Northern Ireland.

He was one of three off-duty soldiers checking their vehicle in a car park, in Ballynahinch, Co Down, when the device went off. A Royal Ulster Constabulary spokesman said he was treated for minor injuries and released from hospital. No organisation has claimed responsibility for the bomb. Supt Ronnie Hawthorn, said: "As a response of the increased terrorist threat and increased terrorist activity, as was witnessed at Ballydugan last weekend, there is a heightened degree of security and vigilance."

Five men were arrested early yesterday after security forces spotted suspicious activity in Dungiven, Co Londonderry. A police spokesman said an improvised grenade and a rifle were recovered as part of the operation.