BBC News Online: UK: Northern Ireland

Policeman uninjured in explosion

The couple were packing to go on holiday when the device exploded at the front door of their house at Willcroft Meadows in Ballyrobert, near Ballyclare, about 2300 BST.

It is understood the device was attached to a container of petrol. It started a small fire but caused little damage to the house.

The householder is a detective sergeant in the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He blamed loyalist paramilitaries for the attack.

The officer was involved in the arrest and imprisonment five years ago of Johnny Adair, a convicted leader of the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

He said he had been threatened before by loyalist paramilitaries.

South Antrim assembly member Norman Boyd has condemned the attack as "disgraceful".

"This is a completely despicable attack," he said.

"This is a policeman who has, for many years, served this community and served all sides of the community and because of that he has paid the ultimate price and been attacked in his own home."

Police investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses.