Pipe bomb attack on house

The device exploded in the porch of the house

A couple and their two young children have escaped injury in a pipe bomb attack on their home in County Antrim.

The device exploded in the porch of the house at Hillview Road in Carrickfergus just after 0030 GMT on Thursday.

The front door and a window were damaged.

The police have said they have yet to establish a motive for the attack.

They want to hear from anyone who saw a blue Ford Fiesta with the registration number DXI 2545 in the area on Thursday night.

Attack condemned

The car was found burnt out in nearby Prospect Link.

A Northern Ireland assembly man has condemned the attack.

Speaking on Thursday, East Antrim Alliance Party assembly member Sean Neeson said he was "mystified" by the attack which took place in a private housing development.

He said there had been attacks in the town, some related to a loyalist feud, but that the motivation for this attack was a "mystery" at the moment.

Mr Neeson said: "A young family, a few days before Christmas, has been greatly shocked by what happened and it has to be condemned."