FORMER national security minister Gary Griffith believes tougher penalties should be considered for people who make bomb threats, including the possibility of treating serious cases under terrorism legislation.

Speaking with the Express yesterday, Griffith said the recent series of bomb threats should not be treated solely as a policing matter, arguing that threats involving possible improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have wider national security implications.

He said the Government should consider whether existing laws were adequate to deal with people whose threats cause widespread fear, disruption and instability.