Toxic Packages In Britain's Mail

As many as 16 packages containing toxic substances disguised as eucalyptus oil were mailed to political targets in Britain, including Prime Minister Tony Blair, authorities said Friday night.

The parcels held what police described as "caustic substances," a Scotland Yard spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity.

One was sent by mail to 10 Downing Street, where Blair lives, but remained unopened. Blair was visiting Australia Friday. Another was addressed to an unidentified Scottish legislator. The other targets were not immediately identified.

Scotland Yard issued an "urgent warning" over the mailings and said their contents resembled an alternative health treatment.

"The packages, which arrived by mail, purported to contain eucalyptus oil, but further analysis has revealed they contained a caustic substance," the spokesman said.

He said the contents resembled an aroma therapy product and included a leaflet saying it was complimentary sample.

No other information was immediately available, including the seriousness of any health threat, when the packages were found and who might have sent them.