THE actions of those behind a pipe bomb which forced residents to evacuate their homes in Newtownabbey have been described as “reprehensible”.
The device was discovered in the garden of a house in Arthur Avenue at around 8.30am yesterday.
The resident alerted police, prompting the evacuation of several houses in the area.
Residents were offered temporary shelter by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in the nearby Valley Leisure Centre.
The device was later confirmed to be a viable pipe bomb and was taken away for further examination.
Police have appealed for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them.
Speaking after residents were allowed to return to their homes several hours later, Alliance councillor John Blair condemned those responsible for leaving the device in the area, which is close to a children's playground.
"I was shocked to find out this morning that what appeared to be a pipe bomb was left in Arthur Avenue," he said.
"This is a well-established, settled, and peaceful residential area. I know many people who live there, including members of my own family, and I would appeal to anyone with any information about this whatsoever to contact the PSNI as a matter of urgency."
He added: "I would say that the people behind this are reprehensible, and offer nothing to the community whatsoever."
Sinn Féin councillor Michael Goodman also said: "This attack was wrong and must be utterly condemned.
"It has brought nothing but disruption to the local community with residents being evacuated from their homes. Those responsible have nothing to offer the community.
"Anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the PSNI."
