Pipe bomb attack on occupied Broughshane home sparks outrage after family escapes injury

Police are investigating after a pipe bomb exploded outside an occupied home in Broughshane late on Wednesday night, causing extensive damage and leaving residents shaken but unharmed.

The attack happened in the Rectory Gardens area at around 11pm on Wednesday, May 27, when a device was reportedly placed on the living room window ledge of the property while three people were inside.

The explosion caused major damage to the home, blowing out windows and damaging the living room area in what police described as a serious and reckless attack.

Detective Sergeant Crothers said officers received a report that two men dressed in dark clothing carried out the attack before fleeing the area in a dark-coloured hatchback car believed to have travelled in the direction of Ballymena.

Thankfully, despite the scale of the explosion and the damage caused, no injuries were reported among the occupants.

Investigation underway after late-night explosion

Police cordons remained in place on Thursday morning as officers and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) continued forensic examinations and enquiries at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Crothers said:

“It was reported that a pipe bomb was placed on a living room window ledge by two men dressed in dark clothing at around 11.00pm. Three people were present in the home at the time.

“The device exploded and caused extensive damage to windows and the living room of the property. Thankfully, the residents were uninjured.

“The two men left the scene in a dark-coloured hatchback car, which made off in the direction of Ballymena.

“Our officers and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended and cordons remain in place at the scene this morning as our enquiries continue.”

The PSNI said detectives are now appealing for witnesses, CCTV footage, dash-cam recordings or any information which could help identify those responsible.

The attack has caused deep concern in the village, particularly given the potential consequences had the explosion caused injuries or occurred under different circumstances.

Community reaction after ‘reckless disregard for life’

TUV councillor Chrissy Jamieson said residents in Broughshane were “appalled” by the incident and warned the outcome could have been far worse.

He said:

“An explosive device was placed at the living room window of an occupied home causing extensive damage to the property. It is deeply disturbing to think about the potential consequences had circumstances been only slightly different.

“Thankfully, while the house suffered major damage, the occupants escaped without serious injury. That is something everyone in the community will be profoundly relieved about this morning.”

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston also condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous act which placed lives at risk.

He said:

“Those responsible for this attacked displayed a reckless disregard for life and the safety of everyone in the area.

“The people of Broughshane want to live in peace. Incidents of this nature have no place in our village and those responsible must be brought before the courts.”

Police appeal for witnesses and footage

Detectives are urging anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Rectory Gardens area on Wednesday night, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell footage or dash-cam recordings, to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1950 27/05/26.

Reports can also be submitted online using the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at: http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the motive behind the attack and trace those responsible.