BELFAST, Mar 2: Four civilians were injured late Monday in a double mortar bomb attack by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on a security force base al Bcssbrook, close lo the Irish border In south Armagh, local police said, reports AFP.

Communications to the village were cut off with telephone lines and radio masts brought down. Local people s.ud the explosions, moments apart, were heard several miles away

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) said the mortar bombs were fired from two vehicles left at the rear of the Bcssbrook base, and exploded inside the base but did not cause serious damage

Police said between 50 and 60 houses were damaged in ihc attack and a community centre had been opened to provide emergency accommodation for families as temperatures plunged below zero.