Mr Brokenshire commented:
Yesterday (Monday, 6th November) a pipe bomb left at the side of a busy road in North Belfast was spotted by workmen. As a result of their vigilance and with the support of police and ATO the pipe bomb was removed. Had it exploded it could have indiscriminately killed anyone nearby. This wanton act put lives at risk and should be condemned in the strongest terms.
Keeping people in communities safe is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a part to play. If you have any information about this pipe bomb please contact police on 101.