Criminals have been blamed for a second bomb attack on a house in Newry within just four weeks.
A pipe bomb exploded outside a house in the Ashgrove Road area on Thursday night, just a month after the same property is understood to have been targeted.
A loud bang was heard shortly before 11pm.
No-one was injured, however children are believed to have been inside the house at the time.
Police last night said they are working to establish a motive and described it as an "utterly reckless attack".
A viable device is believed to have been found outside the same property on February 20.
In a statement after Thursday's controlled explosion, a PSNI spokesman said: "Police and ATO attended and examined the device, which has now been taken aware for further investigation.
"Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries as a result of this utterly reckless attack, carried out in a residential area, with no consideration given to who could have injured or killed.
"We are working to establish a motive for this attack and are keen to speak to witnesses.
"We would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw a vehicle driving at speed along Ashgrove Road towards Damolly roundabout, and then onwards towards Carnbane Way at around the time of the attack.
"We would also ask any anyone who may have captured mobile phone or dashcam footage to get in touch."
Sinn Féin assembly member Liz Kimmins blamed the attack on "criminal elements."
"These devices put residents’ lives at risk.
"I’m relieved that no one has been hurt. I would appeal to anyone with information to contact the police."
SDLP councillor Michael Savage said it was "a reckless attack, particularly as children were in the house at the time and there are elderly neighbours in the vicinity".
"This was obviously designed to maim or potentially kill and it is something we as the people of Newry thought we had left behind us," he said.
"This is a quiet residential area. It is imperative that anyone who witnessed this or has information to come forward to police.
"I have asked police to increase patrols in the area."
Independent councillor Gavin Malone also said "the community is shocked by the attack".
"This is a quiet area that and people are saddened by what has happened," he said.
