Police in the North have confirmed that a serving prison officer has been injured in an explosion in East Belfast.

The PSNI has said it received reports that a device exploded under a vehicle on Woodstock Road just after 7am this morning.

Police say the 52-year-old is currently being treated in hospital with what are believed to be serious leg injuries, but he is not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

It is understood the man was driving a van when the device exploded.

A number of houses in Hillsborough Drive are currently being evacuated and an emergency evacuation centre has been opened up at the Salvation Army on the Cregagh Road.

These people in the local area are devastated at this morning's events.

Minister Flanaganhas expressed deep concern at the bomb attack in East Belfast

"I am deeply concerned to learn of the bomb attack this morning in East Belfast which has injured an officer of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

"My immediate thoughts are for the health and welfare of the injured officer and I convey my best wishes to him, his family and colleagues.

"This callous and cowardly incident must be utterly condemned.

"Not only was it targeted on an individual public servant, it represented a futile attack on the entire community which is determined to achieve a peaceful and reconciled society in Northern Ireland."

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin has this appeal: “The intention of this device was to kill.

“There are people watching these media broadcasts who have information that would help us catch those responsible.

“We need that information, we need that support.

“We condemn this attack outright and we ask the public to help us.”