Pipe bomb detonated in back of car in Co Antrim

By Q Radio News

A pipe bomb exploded in the back of a car in Ballymena last night. 

Police responded to reports of a car being set alight near shops on Crebilly Road at around 11pm. 

However army bomb experts were called in after the remnants of a suspicious device were discovered.  

Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “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."
 

 A PSNI spokesperson 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."

Police have appealed 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.