A man has escaped serious injury after a viable explosive device was left outside a house in Carrickfergus.
A controlled explosion was carried out on the object which was discovered outside the front door but had not detonated.
The incident happened at Marshallstown Road at around 10.30pm.
The man, who was the only one in the house at the time, reported hearing a bang and saw a flash at the front of his house. He initially thought a firework had gone off, said police.
Chief Inspector Simon Ball said: “He was the only person in the house at the time and, although he was not hurt, he was left shocked by the incident. This was a reckless attack in a residential area and, had the device exploded, it could have caused serious injury or even death.”
A number of roads in the area were closed and residents had to be evacuated from their homes for a time, causing significant disruption to the community.
“I would like to thank the community and local residents for their patience while we worked to keep people safe. Please, if you saw anything or know anything, contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” added the Chief Inspector.