Terrifying report warns Britain could be hit with radiological 'dirty bomb' within decade

dailystar.co.uk:

dirty bomb " using materials stolen from poorly-guarded sites around the country. A report has warned that access to radiological elements created an “increased likelihood” of such a terror attack within this decade Vulnerable sites reportedly include research centres and anywhere where X-rays are used or cancer treatment offered, from large industrial complexes and hospitals to small clinics and even veterinary centres.Though a single theft was unlikely to cause mass fatalities, the consequences on national infrastructure could be massive.

Just one device containing 10kg (22lb) of explosives and less than a gram of unshielded radioactive Caesium Chloride salt (Cs-137) - small enough to be carried in a rucksack - would be enough to paralyse the southern rail network.Detonating a dirty bomb in crowded areas would cause “extensive disruption, psychological harm, and environmental damage,” warned Dr Bahram Ghiassee, author of the report published by the Henry Jackson Society think-tank.

It comes just a year after the Government’s own Integrated Security Review warned of an “increased likelihood” of such a terror attack within this decade.He said: “The stations, and surrounding areas up to a few square kilometres away would need to be evacuated and cordoned off for many months following the attacks."The required decontamination and clean-up operations would cost several billion pounds for each station.” Radiological isotopes could also be smuggled into Britain, both through official UK borders or the same illegal routes used by some migrants or criminals to import cigarettes, drugs and weapons.