2nd letter bomb hits a British company in 2 days; 2 injured at tax and accounting firm

(AP) A suspected letter bomb exploded at an outsourcing company Tuesday at the start of the work day, officials said, injuring two employees in the second attack of its kind this week.

An item of mail "likely" ignited and caused a "small explosion," Thames Valley Police said in a statement. Officials said two people in the office of Vantis PLC, a tax and accounting company, were injured.

On Monday, a padded envelope exploded at an office belonging to Capita Group PLC, which administers a $16 daily charge aimed at cutting traffic congestion in central London. The company also collects television license fees.

A Vantis spokesman confirmed the attack had occurred at the company's office, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with company practice.

The two injured employees were not hospitalized, he said: "My understanding is that they are in a bit of shock."

Police taped off the road directly outside the building and evacuated staff. Officers could be seen walking around the business park.

Workers from neighboring offices said they were still at their desks when forensic teams prepared to enter the building to gather evidence.

The Irish Republican Army used letter bombs in the early 1970s as part of its campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland, targeting numerous British government offices. The tactic maimed dozens of people but killed nobody.

In recent years, animal rights activists have also sent letter bombs to people involved in animal testing.

Thames Valley Police said two letter bombs had been sent to companies in the Oxford area, 60 miles west of London, last month, slightly injuring one woman. The force said there was a "strong possibility" they were the work of animal rights extremists.