Northern Irish police are appealing for information after the attempted murder of 2 police officers early this morning.

The officers were responding to a 999 call in the Crumlin Rd area of Belfast when 2 pipe bombs were thrown at them as they left their car - neither was injured but both were left badly shaken.

A number of houses in the area have been evacuated and the local leisure centre has been opened to accommodate residents.

The Crumlin Rd is closed between the junctions at Ballysillan Rd and Ligoneil Rd, but Police say they will accommodate access to anyone attending Our Lady of Mercy school on the Bilston Road.

Chief Inspector, Andy Freeburn, north Belfast Area Commander has condemned the attack, "this is a blatant attempt to murder our police officers who were out protecting the community, it was just sheer good fortune that neither was killed or seriously injured. Whoever carried out this attack showed total disregard for the officers and for the people within this community."

The PSNI are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.