Pipe bomb detonates outside West Belfast house days before Christmas

Q Newsdesk

Police are investigating reports that a pipe-bomb exploded outside a house in West Belfast two days before Christmas.

The device is said to have detonated on Slieveban Avenue sometime between 10.30 and 11pm on the 23rd of December.

No-one was injured and no damaged was caused to property.

The incident was only reported to police yesterday.

They think it could be linked to an incident in the same area in November when a viable pipe-bomb was made safe by army technical officers.

Detective Sergeant Corrigan said:

"The remnants of the device have now been seized by Police and taken away for further forensic examination."

“A motive for the attack has not yet been established, however, we are investigating a possible link between this incident and an incident in the same area on Wednesday 07 November when a viable pipe bomb type device was made safe by ATO.

“I am appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area on the evening of Sunday 23 December or anyone with any information that could help our investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101, quoting reference number 1162 04/01/19.

"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.”