A FORMER policeman and his 12-year-old daughter cheated death after he thwarted a car bomb attack.

The ex-officer found the viable booby trap device on the under-side of his vehicle as he was about to drive his child to school in east Belfast.

Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process have been blamed for the murder bid. Police say the explosive bore "striking simi- larities" to other car bombs planted by the extremist groups. It was found by the father during a routine security check at his home in the Tullycarnet, Dundonald.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said the man's vigilance had averted a tragedy."