BLACKPOOL'S pubs and clubs were on anti-bomb alert this week following last Friday's horrific nail bomb blast in a London gay bar.

With the second largest gay population outside London, Blackpool was warned to maintain vigilance despite the arrest at the weekend of a Hampshire man in connection with the attack and two previous nail bomb explosions in London's black communities.

DC Andy Cuff of Blackpool police said: "We've distributed a lot of Operation Vigilance leaflets and posters which are being put up in every pub and club in town. We've also spoken to people in the Jewish and Asian communities advising them to take extra care.

"We've had a good response, it's been very well-received. Until they've got to the bottom of what was behind these bomb attacks we've got to remain on our guard."

Club door staff have been checking bags as customers go in and DJs have been warning customers to be on the alert.

A spokesman at the Flying Handbag gay pub in Talbot Road said staff had been on the look-out for suspect packages and bags after last Friday's explosion in Soho's Admiral Duncan bar killed three people and injured 70.

Supt Clive Helliwell said: "We are encouraging all minority groups who may be singled out for race, religion or sexual orientation - including Jews, Irish and gays or lesbians - to contact police with any concerns they may have.

"Although the three previous attacks have taken place in London and there is no specific intelligence to say Lancashire is a target, everyone can help by reporting all suspicious packages immediately to the police and not leaving any bags or luggage unattended as it may raise unnecessary alarm."

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