Warrington bombings

The second attack happened on 20 March, when two smaller bombs exploded in litter bins outside shops and businesses on Bridge Street.

[2] On the night of 25 February 1993, three IRA members planted Semtex bombs at the gas holders on Winwick Road, Warrington.

[3] At 4:10am on 26 February, the bombs exploded at the gas holders, sending a fireball 1,000 feet (300 m) into the sky[3] and causing extensive damage to the facility.

[7][8][9] Merseyside Police sent officers to branches of Boots in Liverpool and warned the Cheshire Constabulary, who patrolled nearby Warrington.

He died on 25 March 1993 when his life support machine was switched off, after tests had found only minimal brain activity.

The Provisional IRA issued a statement the day after the bombing, acknowledging its involvement but saying:Responsibility for the tragic and deeply regrettable death and injuries caused in Warrington yesterday lies squarely at the door of those in the British authorities who deliberately failed to act on precise and adequate warnings.

If the IRA think they can pass on their responsibility for this terrible act by issuing such a nonsensical statement, they have sadly underestimated the understanding of the British public.

[16] The deaths of two young children ensured that the 20 March bombings received major coverage in the media[17] and caused widespread public anger.

They signed a condolence book outside the General Post Office and laid bouquets and wreaths, with messages of sorrow and apology, to be taken to Warrington for the boys' funerals.

[18] On 1 April 1993, the Irish Government announced measures designed to make extradition easier from the Republic of Ireland to the United Kingdom.

[20] On 14 November 1996, the Duchess of Kent officially inaugurated a memorial called The River of Life, depicting "a symbol of hope for future generations", in Bridge Street.

[21] The project, consisting of a symbolic water sculpture that features a commemorative plaque, was designed by local primary school pupils and Stephen Broadbent.

[28][29] The events around the second bombing, with the killing of two children, and the efforts of the parents of Tim Parry and "Peace '93" and McHugh, were dramatised in the 2018 television film, Mother's Day, starring Vicky McClure, Daniel Mays, and Anna Maxwell Martin.