THE PSNI has set up a special detective squad to catch those behind a spate of pipe bomb attacks across Belfast.

Headed up by a detective inspector, the unit has a full range of forensic, crime analysts, mapping and photography at their disposal.

All information is being collated for the unit at a secure office in Musgrave Police Station.

Within a 24 hour period, from just before midnight on Wednesday 04 February until the evening of Thursday 05 February, four viable devices were left at different locations within Belfast and Dunmurry.

The devices had the potential to harm and those involved have shown a blatant disregard for human life.

In Belfast the first incident occurred in the St James Road area in west Belfast and a device was placed under a vehicle, causing it to ignite.

In the second incident, a report was received shortly after 8.20am of a device under a vehicle in the Friendly Street area. ATO attended and made safe a viable pipe bomb.

In the third incident, which was reported just after 9.00am on Thursday 04 February, a viable device was located on a footpath in the North Queen Street area. Again ATO attended and made safe a viable device.

The fourth incident took place in the Colinbrook Gardens in Dunmurry. ATO attended and made safe a viable device which was located at the rear of a property.

The investigation is at an early stage and we are exploring a possible link between these four incidents. Forensics have been gathered from each incident and this will be reviewed along with any other additional evidence including CCTV footage.

I would appeal to anyone who may have information connected to these incidents to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.