The suspicious object, which was eventually determined to be a viable pipe bomb type device, was discovered at Dundela Street this morning (25th October) and resulted in local residents having to be evacuated from their homes and police cordons put in place.

Police and Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene and carried out a controlled explosion of the device, before taking it away to be examined further.

Police cordons have since been removed and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

McReynolds said, “This is an incredibly worrying incident, and those behind such actions do not speak for the people of East Belfast, nor are their actions wanted in the community.

“The disregard shown for the safety of local residents is disgraceful and the disruption to their lives unacceptable, and I’m relieved that nobody was hurt.

“I also extend my sincere gratitude to the PSNI for their quick and efficient handling of the situation, and would call on anyone who has any information that could be of use in their investigations to get in touch with the police via the non-emergency 101 number, or anonymously via Crimestoppers”.