DETECTIVES are linking the discovery of a pipe bomb in north Belfast to a racist attack on a nearby house during which a window was smashed with a rock.

The pipe bomb was found on Atlantic Avenue which led to a security alert on this morning following a tip off from a former member of the security forces.

Army Technical Officers examined the device and found it to be viable pipe bomb.

PSNI Inspector David McBride said the device was connected to the rock attack on the house, which is “being treated as a hate crime”.

The house was occupied at the time of the attack but no-one was in the room where the window was broken.

The inspector added: “This incident caused inconvenience, disruption and upset for the local community of north Belfast.

“I would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and co-operation during the operation this morning.”

He appealed for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area between midnight and 9.30 am this morning to contact police.

The security alert has now ended and all roads are being re-opened.