An elderly couple escaped serious injury after fireworks were pushed through their letterbox, police said today.
A petrol bomb, fireworks and other missiles were thrown at officers who responded to the incident in Gransha Park in the Ballymurphy area of West Belfast.
The pensioners were not injured but suffered smoke inhalation and shock after the attack.
But the detective leading the inquiry warned it could have been fatal.
Inspector Jeremy Lindsay said: "This was a very frightening and distressing incident for the elderly victims which had potentially life-threatening consequences."
A police spokeswoman said the couple's home was filled with smoke after two fireworks landed in their hallway shortly before around 8.30pm yesterday.
Remnants of the fireworks have been taken away for analysis and witnesses are being asked to come forward.