POLICE are investigating after a bomb exploded under a car last night in west Belfast.

It follows an incident at St James Road in west Belfast just before midnight on Wednesday 4th February.

The road was closed by police Army Technical Officers examined the scene.

A suspected pipe bomb type device was located and removed for examination.

But police say the road has now re-opened.

Inspector James Murphy said: “We believe at this stage that a device may have exploded or partially exploded under a parked car causing extensive damage to the car.’

“Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but severe disruption has been caused in the area.

“I would like to thank the residents for their patience whilst the operation was ongoing and I would appeal for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity to contact police on the 101 non-emergency number.”

A number of residents who was evacuated from their homes have now been allowed to return.

It is the fourth bomb incident police are dealing with across Belfast and on the railway track in Lurgan today.