A viable pipe bomb which partially exploded caused a security alert last night in west Belfast.
The device was discovered in the front garden of a house in Norglen Parade just after 10:30pm.
A woman who was in the house where the device was located was not injured. Slight damage was caused to the property.
Police have condemned this as a ‘reckless act.’
Detective Inspector George said: “Following a report at 10:35pm last night (Saturday, 4 January) of a suspicious object in the area, our officers attended and implemented a public safety operation.
“ATO were called to the scene to examine the object, which was located in the front garden of a property, and declared it to be a viable pipe-bomb type device. The device appears to have partially exploded and has now been taken away for further examination.”
He said this was a ‘reckless attack and the consequences of it could have been devastating.’
An investigation has begun into the incident.
“Our investigation is underway to establish what happened, and I am appealing to anyone who has information as to who is responsible for this despicable attack to pick up the phone and tell us what you know.
“If you were in the Norglen Parade area yesterday, or in recent days, and witnessed any suspicious activity, I would urge you to get in touch with detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1768 of 04/01/20,” he added.
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.
Update on the security alert in Norglen Parade, west Belfast, which has ended. pic.twitter.com/t4uT9H5Dzw
— PSNI West Belfast (@PSNIBelfastW) January 5, 2020