A young boy has discovered the remains of a pipe bomb-type device from the garden of a house in the Waterside area Derry.
Detectives said the device had been detonated before the boy happened upon it in the Curlew Way area.
Detective Inspector Michael Winters said: "Our enquiries are at an early stage, however, it appears at this time the device had detonated prior to it being lifted by the young boy.
"While this was not a live device, the fact a young boy found it and lifted it shows the blatant disregard by those responsible for leaving it there. It was completely reckless.
“I want to appeal to anyone who has information about this to contact detectives at Strand Road on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 2084 of 21/05/19."
Police received a report shortly before 9:55pm that earlier, around 6pm, the young boy had lifted the remains of the device.
Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
SDLP Leader and Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood said: “It’s absolutely galling that a child discovered the bomb following the explosion. And it underlines the tragedy that we could have been dealing with this morning.
“People in this city and right across the North have rejected violence. The events of the last month have seen a vocal recommitment on behalf of the people of Derry to reject those who deal in the politics of death, destruction and mayhem. We are not going back."
