Family escape pipe-bomb attack on home

A couple and a three-year-old boy escaped injury in a pipe bomb attack in the North.

Pieces of steel blasted into the living room of a house in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in an explosion police said could have proved fatal.

The device detonated on the windowsill of the property at Carnany Drive at around 2am.

Although the family inside were unhurt, damage was also caused to the house and a car parked in the driveway.

Army explosives experts were called in and the area was sealed off as forensic experts hunted for clues.

Investigating detectives have not disclosed any possible motive, but the officer in charge insisted it was lucky no one was seriously injured.

Detective Inspector Nick McCaw said: “Two pieces of steel were embedded in the ceiling and settee in the living room.

“Luckily the occupants were asleep at the time. However, if they had been in the living room when the pipe bomb exploded, we would be looking at serious injuries or potential loss of life.”