Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a security alert in the Ardmillan Crescent area of Newtownards on Friday evening, 12th May.

Detective Sergeant Westbury said: “Police received a report shortly before 11pm that a pipe-bomb type device was discovered at the front of a property.

“Officers attended the scene and a cordon was put in place. A number of residents were also evacuated from their homes while ATO made the device safe.

“The device, which has since been confirmed as viable, was successfully diffused by ATO.

“A cordon remained in place until the early hours of Saturday morning and residents who were evacuated have since been allowed to return home.

“We are working to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding what happened, and also identify who is responsible for this extremely reckless act.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information which can lead us to those responsible to please call us on 101, and quote reference number 2365 of 12/05/23.”

You can also make a report to police online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport  or call Crimestoppers anonymously  on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org