June 17, 1974

IN THE WORLD

On June 17, 1974 the Provisional IRA bombed the British Houses of Parliament causing extensive damage and injuring eleven people. A man with an Irish accent telephoned the Press Association with a warning given just six minutes before the device exploded. London police said a recognized IRA codeword was given. The bomb exploded in a corner of Westminster Hall at about 08:30 am on June 17, 1974. The attack signaled the start of a renewed IRA bombing campaign on the British mainland that was to last until late 1975 and was to claim the lives of dozens of people.