Top Thatcher ally Tebbit dies at 94

Former Tory heavyweight survived IRA's deadly Brighton bomb attack

- BY JACKIE ANNETT

FORMER Tory heavyweight Norman Tebbit - who survived the IRA's Brighton bomb - has died aged 94.

The Thatcherite hardman became one of the Provos’ most bitter opponents after the blast exploded as he slept alongside his wife Margaret, who was paralysed in the attack.

The bomb, which killed five people and injured 31 more, was intended to kill then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during the Tory conference in 1984.

Falling through four floors and remaining trapped for several hours, the Tebbits laid together waiting for help.