Mother Speaks Out After Pipe Bomb Attack on North Belfast Family Home

A North Belfast mother of four has shared her shock and terror after an explosive device was pushed through her letterbox in the early hours of Friday, October 16, in what she believes was a case of mistaken identity.

Nicola Nugent was woken from her sleep around 3am by a deafening blast at her home in the Stanhope Street area. Her four children, the youngest just 19 months old, were inside the property at the time of the explosion and had to be swiftly evacuated into the night.

Nicola described coming downstairs to find her hallway filled with thick smoke. Initially fearing a household radiator had burst, she video-called her brother in Australia. After spotting two screws and a metal bar among the debris, they realised the damage was caused by a pipe bomb, prompting an immediate emergency call to the police.

The blast tore through the entrance, causing significant damage to the front door, blowing holes through the ceiling, and damaging the floor. Because of the scale of the damage, Nicola and her children face several days out of their home. Shaken by the ordeal, she expressed utter bewilderment as to why her family was targeted, noting that her daily routine consists solely of going to work and looking after her children.

A public safety operation swung into action shortly after the blast, with Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) arriving to inspect the remnants of the device. Several neighbouring residents had to be evacuated from their homes while cordons were established, though all cordons have now been stood down and residents permitted to return.

Detective Sergeant Stevenson condemned the attack, noting that the community has rightly voiced outrage over the reckless endangerment of a young family. While relieved that no physical injuries were sustained, detectives highlighted the severe emotional shock caused to Nicola and her children.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Stanhope Street area around 3am to get in touch. Residents with CCTV, dash-cam, or doorbell footage that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 141 16/10/26. Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI reporting portal or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.