The device at the centre of an East Belfast security alert was found to be a "viable pipe bomb".
Police said they are working to establish a motive for the incident.
Residents were evacuated from Sandbrook Grove earlier this evening and the road closed, but they have now been allowed to return home.
The device was made safe at the scene and has been removed for examination.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The security alert in Sandbrook Grove in East Belfast has now ended and residents allowed to return to their homes. ATO examined a suspicious object discovered in the garden of a house in the area and have declared it to be a viable pipe bomb type device.
"This has now been made safe and removed for further examination.
"Detectives are working to establish a motive for the incident and are appealing for anyone who witnessed any unusual activity in the area of Sandbrook Grove or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact them in Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 1295 01/11/19.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
A PSNI spokesman said earlier: " Police are currently in attendance at a security alert in the Sandbrook Grove area of East Belfast following a report of a suspicious object in the area this afternoon Friday 1 November.
"Connsbrook Avenue and Sandbrook Park are closed to traffic and a number of properties in Sandbrook Grove and Sandbrook Gardens have been evacuated. There are no further details at this stage."
A resident said: "Women, children and elderly (have been) moved out off their homes. Bomb squad is here with the robot."
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