Bomb thrown through window of Co. Tyrone home

There's been a pipe bomb attack on a house in Strabane.

Published 8th Aug 2017

The device was thrown through the window of the home in Melmount Villas shortly before 9pm on Monday night.

The viable bomb was then taken by an occupant of the house and thrown into a nearby field where it was made safe by army bomb experts.

Police have slammed those behind the attack, saying it was reckless and could have caused serious harm.

Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: “At approximately 8:50pm on Monday, 7 August it was reported to police that a device had been thrown through the window of a property. The device was recovered by an occupant of the house and thrown into a nearby field.

“Police attended the scene last night and the device was made safe by ATO and recovered by police for further examination.

“One home was evacuated during the alert, and we are thankful to the local community for their patience and co-operation whilst we dealt with this device, which we believe, at this stage, to be viable.

“Those who left it have clearly no regard for the people living here. This was a reckless attack on the local community, which could have caused serious harm, and I am appealing for the community’s support in identifying the perpetrators.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to contact detectives at Strand Road Criminal Investigation Branch, by calling 101 and quoting reference 1314 07/08/17 or, if they wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."