MP rejects IRA's denial

He said he was carrying out his own investigations into the blasts by interviewing witnesses in the village and added: "I do not accept the categorical denial of the Provisional IRA."

In response, the Provisional IRA condemned Mr Cooper's statement as "utterly irresponsible."

An IRA statement released in Dublin said: "It is not and never will be our policy to deliberately attack civilians or to carry put bombs attacks without adequate warning.

The statement added:"Similar allegations to Mr Cooper's by the British Army and the RUC, have been proved false and without foundation on previous occasions, and we have no doubt that Mr Cooper will have to withdraw unreservedly his allegations which can only benefit the British administration and occupation forces."