Police have launched an investigation following an explosion outside a vacant property in the Mullagh Park area of Maghera, County L'Derry.

Officers responded around midnight on Thursday (7 August) after receiving reports of a loud bang in the area. On arrival, they discovered that a device had detonated outside an unoccupied house.

The explosion caused damage to the property's windows and brickwork while a house opposite also sustained damage to its wall as a result of the blast. Sergeant Shields said: "Our officers attended the scene with ammunition technical officers who have taken away the remnants of this device for further examination. This was a distressing experience for residents who are dealing with the fear of this device in their community. Thankfully, no one was in this house at the time as this could have caused serious injury or even worse."

A public safety operation was put in place overnight and continued into Friday morning, with cordons established around the area. While those have since been lifted and local access restored, authorities are still advising members of the public to avoid the area or use alternative routes where possible.

Police are also appealing to anyone with information which might assist them in their enquires to get in contact.