The PSNI discovered an incendiary device in south Belfast during security searches last night.
The viable device was unearthed when officers searched three houses in the Donegall Avenue area yesterday.
Police said the device was found when they acted on information from the public.
Local area commander, Chief Superintendent George Hamilton, said: "A viable device which could have caused disruption, injury or even a fatality has been taken out of circulation as a result of information we received from the public."
No arrests were made and police said they were determined to seek out those responsible for making and storing the device.
