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.
Appeal to European Court being considered after ruling over Troubles disclosures
Executive agrees to set aside £119m for PSNI data breach payouts
Concern voiced as next phase of Omagh Bombing Inquiry hearings delayed
Four fatal house fires in three days in Northern Ireland ‘deeply concerning’
‘Much more to do’ to protect children in NI from sexual exploitation – report