POLICE have revealed that a viable pipe device has been taken away for examination following a security alert on the northern outskirts of Belfast.

Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said: “The device was made safe by ATO after police received a report that a pipe bomb had been thrown at a house in the Voltaire Gardens area of Newtownabbey.

“The device was discovered in the garden at around 10pm.

“A number of people were asked to leave their homes during the alert.

“Detectives are appealing for information regarding the device.

“They can be contacted at Musgrave police station on the non-emergency number 101.

“Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their name they can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”