Prison officer's house target of pipe bomb

A house belonging to a prison officer was targeted in a pipe bomb attack in Northern Ireland earlier today.

Several people were treated for shock after the device was left on a windowsill shortly after midnight in Ardmore Heights in Holywood, Co Down.

The occupants of the house saw a man approach the living room window.

They managed to escape unharmed before the device exploded.

The Prison Officers Association confirmed that the house belonged to a prison officer.

Finlay Spratt of the Prison Officers Association condemned the incident.

Police have asked anyone who may have witness suspicious activity in Ardmore Heights around midnight to help their investigation.

They are anxious to trace the movements of a silver or grey saloon car, possibly an Audi, which was seen in the area around the time of the attack.

They have also appealed for information about silver or grey Vauxhall in the area.