Gerry Adams among senior Sinn Fein members in bomb threat scare

The threats were communicated to the party today by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

In a statement posted on the Sinn Féin website this evening, Belfast MP Alex Maskey said threats were received of explosive of devices being left at the home of Mr Adams and councillor Jim McVeigh.

Mr Maskey, a former Belfast mayor, also said he received a threat of a device being left at his office on the Falls Road.

“Several Sinn Féin members today were informed by the PSNI of threats made against them. The threats indicated that devices were left at the homes of Gerry Adams and Cllr Jim McVeigh along with a device being left at my office on the Falls Road ,” Mr Maskey said.

“No matter what the intentions of whoever who made the threats those behind them will achieve nothing. They will not deter us from our work and they will not stop us delivering for those who elect us,” he added.A PSNI spokesperson confirmed officers had carried out a series of "extensive searches" at several properties in Belfast earlier today, including the home of Mr Adams, but that “nothing untowards” had been discovered.DCI Gary Reid said a call had been made to a local newspaper claiming devices had been left at the addresses. Enquiries were now being made into the origin of the call, he added.