A bomb attack on a prison officer's home in Northern Ireland has been condemned.
Mr Desmond Waterworth, his wife and two daughters were asleep in the house in Princess Gardens in Holywood, Co Down when two pipe bombs were thrown at it this morning.
The devices exploded causing damage to the front of the house but none of the occupants was injured.
Northern Ireland Office minister Mr Des Browne and the head of the Prison Service, Mr Peter Russell, condemned those responsible.
"This is a despicable attack, not only on a prison officer serving the community, but on his family as well," Mr Browne said.
"I totally condemn this second attack on prison officers' homes in as many weeks.
"These are men and women simply doing their jobs. I urge anyone with information to contact the police."
Mr Russell, the Director General of the Prison Service, said the attack was an assault on human rights.
"I find it deplorable," he said. "The job of prison officers is to protect the whole community.
"It is particularly galling that just as we are working hard at treating prisoners with respect and according them their full human rights, others in the community don't seem to be able to treat prison officers in the same respectful way."
A police spokesman said two men were seen driving away from the scene shortly before 3 a.m. in a black car, believed to be a Vauxhall Astra.
The remains of the two pipe bombs were taken away for forensic examination.
PA