Police responded to an overnight incident in the Ballykeel area of Ballymena in which the remnants of a pipe bomb type device were discovered.
After attending the scene of a car on fire, the police called in Army Technical Officers after a suspicious object was seen at the rear of the vehicle.
A police spokesperson this morning has said: “ Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an incident on Crebilly Road in Ballymena last night, Friday 05 June.
“Shortly after 11pm police received a report that a car had been set on fire close to shops in the area. Police attended and observed a suspicious object in the rear of the vehicle. ATO were tasked to examine the object that was declared to be the remnants of a pipe bomb type device that had detonated. Damage was caused to the car as a result of the incident.”
Detective Sergeant Crothers added: “This was a reckless act that had the potential to cause serious injury to anyone who was close to the car when the device detonated.
“Detectives are working to establish a motive and identify those responsible and I am appealing to anyone with information, or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 2092 05/06/20.”
A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
