Ballymoney family escape uninjured after pipe-bomb attack on their home fails to detonate

By Chloe St John

A Ballymoney family have miraculously escaped unijured after an undiscovered pipe bomb, which was thrown through their window failed to detonate overnight.

The family - from Carnany Park - discovered the device in their living room sometime after the attack.

A brick was used to smash the front window of a property in Carnany Park sometime overnight, and the device was then thrown inside.

Detective Sergeant Leighanne Miller said: "The residents discovered the broken window and the item in their living room at around 8.30am this morning. Police were alerted and when ATO examined the device they found it was an elaborate hoax. It has now been removed for forensic examination.

While the security operation was ongoing, it was necessary to evacuate a number of nearby homes as a safety precaution. This obviously caused disruption to the weekend routine for many families and older people.

Local Councillor Meryvn Storey visited the scene this morning.

He said:

"It is again extremely sad that another family has been subjected to what can only be described as a mindless act.

To place young children and their parents in such danger is despicable.

Today in Ballymoney our children with their families are enjoying all the activities of the Spring Fair, a day of fun and entertainment, however that is not the case for this young family. Instead they have been forced out of their home in fear and were undoubtedly placed in danger last night as a result of this pipe bomb attack.

I again appeal to whoever is involved in such mindless actions to stop and bring an end to such attacks, which only instil fear in the community."  

Police are working to establish a motive for this incident and are appealing for anyone with information to please get in touch with detectives in Coleraine by calling 101, quoting reference number 316 14/04/18."