Gardai have launched an investigation following an explosion at a housing estate in Co. Meath in the early hours of this morning.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team was called to the Milltown estate in Ashbourne just before 1am after a device was discovered at the rear of a house.

A bomb disposal expert examined the scene but as efforts were being made to diffuse the device it detonated.

No one was injured as the area had been evacuated.

Some damage was caused to the house.

The remains of the device were collected for forensic examination and the investigation has now been handed over to the Gardai.