Several homes in a Cork housing estate were evacuated after a pipe bomb was discovered.

The device, which was described as viable, was found at Shannon Lawn in the Mayfield area of the city.

Both the Army Bomb Disposal Team and the Garda were called to the scene at around 5am.

A Defence Forces spokesman said: "The device was assessed to be viable and was removed to a safe military location for deconstruction and further examination.

"Items of evidential nature have been handed over to the gardai to assist them with their investigation."

It is believed the device was thrown at a home in the estate in the early hours of the morning but failed to detonate.