'IRA gunman meant to kill'

AN ALLEGED IRA terrorist meant to kill a police officer when he fired several shots at him at almost point-blank range, the Old Bailey was told yesterday.

Constable Mark Toker was lucky to survive after being shot three times by Pairic MacFhloinn when he stopped a car containing Mr MacFhloinn, Dennis Kinsella and a man called Timmins, the prosecution says. The three allegedly planted bombs at a Warrington gas works. Timmins was not caught.

Mr MacFhloinn and Mr Kinsella deny causing an explosion and attempted murder. The trial continues on Monday.