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A massive 400lb car bomb failed to explode outside the Policing Board headquarters in Belfast this morning, according to the PSNI.

The car carrying the device broke through a barrier into Clarendon Dock, close to the Policing Board headquarters, before the back of the vehicle went on fire. Two men were seen escaping from the car.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said it appeared an explosive device in the vehicle had only partially detonated.

“It is a reckless act not just in doing damage but also the potential loss of life.” A second car was later found burned out nearby in the New Lodge area of the city and police are investigating whether there was any link.

Mr Baggott said: “We have said from day one that the terrorist situation is severe. We have substantial resources being put into investigating and thwarting these attacks.

“This attack is an attack on the well-being of everybody in Northern Ireland, this is not about an attack on policing or the Policing Board, this is an attack on young people and young people’s future.”