A PIPE bomb attack that caused a fire at a property in the Castlereagh area of east Belfast has been described as "deeply disturbing".
The viable device exploded shortly after 9.30pm on Monday, starting a fire inside the house on the Carncaver Road just off the Upper Knocckbreda Road.
Officers cordoned off the scene for a time while emergency services were called to tackle the small fire in the living room of the house.
No-one was in the property at the time of the attack. Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them.
SDLP councillor for the area Séamas de Faoite said it was "deeply disturbing that this kind of attack can happen in our community and put people in harm's way."
"The outcome of this reckless attack could have been fatal," he added.
"Those behind the planting of this device have nothing to offer our community but fear. These criminals must be faced down."
Alliance councillor Michael Long said the attack was "totally reckless."
"They did not know if there was anyone in the house in Carncaver Road and obviously did not care who could have been killed or injured.
"I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and call on anyone with information to pass it to the police, so those responsible can be brought before the courts," he added.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Inspector Eastwood would appeal to anyone who either witnessed this incident or who has information that could assist police with their investigations to contact them at Strandtown PSNI Station on 101 quoting reference 1925 02/03/20."
