The attack happened at 1:10 am , a few hours after the major bombing of the Baltic Exchange seven miles away which killed three people . The bomb was home-made like the Baltic Exchange one , and was placed in a white Bedford van . The IRA gave telephone warnings 50 minutes prior from a phone operator in Portadown , Northern Ireland . Police located the van and evacuated the area . Although no injuries were caused , the blast was powerful and caused significant damage to roads , leaving a crater on the North Circular Road flyover . It was strong enough to be felt several miles away . The bomb damaged a three-storey B&Q DIY superstore and a steel-framed warehouse , and severely damaged warehouse property constructed of light cladding . It was estimated the explosive force was around 100 kg . An eyewitness said the B&Q store was " completely destroyed " and the roof collapsed
bombing of the Baltic Exchange
Baltic Exchange bombing
1992 Staples Corner bombing