A 52-year-old man, who is a serving prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a bomb exploded under a van in east Belfast, the BBC reported.

Police said the incident happened at Hillsborough Drive at about 07:10 GMT on Friday.

The officer's injuries are believed to be serious but not life-threatening.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said it was a "disgraceful and despicable attack".

Residents living in the area were left shocked and confused.

A man walking his daughter to school said he heard a really loud bang on Friday morning.

Source: MENA