The scene of last night’s pipe bomb attack in the Waterside area of Derry
Her six-year-old son picked up the pipe bomb after it had exploded.
And she believes she may have been targeted for having Catholic friends.
The explosive device was found in a garden at Curlew Way in the Clooney area of Derry’s Waterside on Tuesday.
The boy discovered the device while playing outside at around 6 pm.
She told BBC News NI’s North West reporter Kerion Tourish that her son had initially told his grandmother about finding the device and police were contacted when the children were in bed.
The consequences could have been very serious, said the woman who didn’t want to be named.
“I am absolutely disgusted to think that some dirty, vile human being could do that.
“I am fuming someone could have done that, what could have happened.
The six-year-old is unaware of the nature of what he picked up in the garden.
“He is fine,” his mother said. “He has no idea and I would rather it be kept that way.”
She said she believed the device may have been left in the garden of her home in the mainly Protestant estate because she socialises with Catholics.
“I think it is because I have friends from the town, speak to people from the town and that is not agreed on over here – religion, people cannot let it go.
“I obviously have Catholic friends, Protestant friends, its just religion; definitely, there is no other reason for it.”
Police have condemned those responsible for leaving the pipe bomb.
Detective Inspector Michael Winters said: “Our enquiries are at an early stage, however, it appears at this time the device had detonated prior to it being lifted by the young boy.
“While this was not a live device, the fact a young boy found it and lifted it shows the blatant disregard by those responsible for leaving it there. It was completely reckless.
“I want to appeal to anyone who has information about this to contact detectives at Strand Road on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 2084 of 21/05/19.”
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.
Detective Inspector Winters added: “I also want to take this opportunity to remind the public if anyone comes across anything suspicious, please call police immediately.”
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