Police notified Mark Pearce from County Down in the early hours after a tip-off, reports BBC Radio Ulster.

The photographer and his family were told to leave the property, in Mayobridge, while experts diffused the device.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, Pearce said: ‘Being a press photographer I go to many events. I presume I have been seen at an event, and somebody has taken [out] a vendetta against me.’

He added: ‘I don’t know what sort of photograph could give someone the idea that planting a bomb at their home would… justify it.’