Pipe bomb explodes outside north Belfast house

A pipe bomb has exploded outside a house in north Belfast.

It happened on Glandore Avenue at about 0105 BST on Tuesday and is the second pipe bomb attack this year on the home of cross-community worker, Mary Kelly.

Police officers discovered the device, which had only partially exploded on the windowsill. The window and sill were badly damaged.

Mrs Kelly said she did not know why she was being targeted and asked for those behind the attack to come forward.

Some homes were evacuated in the early hours and residents were taken to a nearby community centre, they have since returned home.

Detectives are keen to obtain information about two men seen running toward Premier Drive at the time of the attack.

The area's MP, Nigel Dodds of the DUP, said he was "disgusted and outraged."

"This will have been a further traumatic ordeal for Mary, family members and neighbours, and it is a relief to hear that no-one was injured.

"Those responsible for this cowardly attack were prepared to inflict serious injuries through their reckless actions.

"It is the third attack upon Mary's home this year, following a previous blast bomb attack in April and windows having been smashed in January."

The attack has also been condemned by the other main political parties and the Community Relations Council.