A PIPE bomb has exploded in a business park in Newtownabbey.
It was discovered by security staff patrolling the grounds at Abbey Business Park in Mill Road near the Bawnmore housing estate.
Detectives said they believed the device was thrown in at around 1am on Saturday although a motive is not clear.
The incident was reported to the PSNI on Saturday evening and police and army technical officers attended and removed the remnants for examination.
Police said: "There were no reports of any injuries as a result of this incident, however, the Business Park is a busy commercial zone within a densely populated residential area and the potential for injury was very high due to this reckless act."
UUP North Belfast assembly candidate Robert Foster hit out at those responsible.
"There is something badly wrong with anyone who would throw a pipe bomb in a business park, close to a heavily populated area.
"The people of north Belfast want to see progress in terms of creating jobs, improving the health service and increasing educational attainment for our children and young people," he said.
“(Those) behind this pipe bomb have nothing positive to offer to anyone in terms of a better future. Whoever was behind this needs to be caught, brought before the courts and jailed, and I urge anyone who can assist the police, to do so immediately.”
