Detectives have confirmed that a pipe bomb, thrown at officers in Belfast last night, was a viable device.
The device failed to explode when officers were called to a report of a violent domestic incident in the Glenwood View area of Poleglass shortly before 8.40pm.
Enquiries have established that the original emergency call regarding the domestic assault was a hoax.
Superintendent Philip Knox said today: "A detailed examination of the device thrown at the police officers has now concluded that it was a viable device capable of causing serious injury or death.
"One of the officers involved tells me that the device passed inches from his face before landing close to the police vehicle. Luckily, the fuse burnt itself out on the ground."
This is the second time in just over four months that PSNI officers have been targeted in this way.
Officers have appealed to the community to help them identify those responsible.
