Police say a pipe bomb exploded under a vehicle in Cookstown, Co Tyrone

THE SDLP has hit out at those who left a pipe bomb from under a vehicle in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The Orritor Road between Morgans Hill Road and Maloon Road was closed shortly before 3pm on Saturday following the discovery of a suspicious object near a house.

Police say components of a partially exploded device were recovered.

Army bomb experts attended and the object was taken away for further forensic examination.

Residents were allowed to return to homes which were evacuated during the alert that ended on Saturday evening.

SDLP assembly member Patsy McGlone said he “totally condemned” those responsible.

“Residents had to leave their homes whilst security forces removed the device,” Mr McGlone said.

“I am only grateful that no-one was injured in what was a reckless act by those who planted the pipe bomb.”

A police spokesperson said a motive is yet to be established but the owner of the vehicle is not believed to have any connection to security forces.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact PSNI on 0845 600 8000.