A new type of pipe bomb has been devised by loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland, the RUC revealed tonight. The bomb hangs from a key inserted in the door of the targeted building.
A major alert was issued after two of the devices were found in undergrowth in Ballymena, Co. Antrim - one of several areas where Catholics have been attacked as part of a developing campaign by loyalists opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.
RUC Inspector Bob Quinn said: "This is the first time such sophisticated pipe bombs have been found and it is very, very sinister."
Police fear many more of the so-called keyhole bombs could be in circulation amid fears of increasing sectarian violence across Northern Ireland.
The new type of pipe bombs are one foot in length, filled with gun powder, suspended from a key and rigged to wiring which can be fitted to the side of the door.
Two were discovered in undergrowth at a park between the Harryville-Ballykeel areas in Ballymena.
Police believe they had been left there inside a bag - one was wrapped in a towel - to be collected.
They were discovered by a man who then carried them for half a mile to the gates of the town's police station. The bomb squad was called in.
Insp Quinn said: "They are totally indiscriminate and anybody answering a door could be killed, or at the very least maimed. The bombs can also be modified and attached to cars."
PA