DETECTIVES today stepped up the hunt for the "lunatic" bomber who planted a home-made bomb in a couple's car.

The crude device exploded on the driveway of the family home in Monton, Eccles, blowing the vehicle apart and badly damaging the house itself.

Detectives believe the man they are hunting was responsible for a similar attack on a block flats in Ellesmere Street, Eccles, three weeks ago.

The man leading the hunt, Det Chief Insp Kenny Caldwell said: "The man we are looking for in connection with this incident must be deranged. Quite frankly he is a lunatic." The bomb, consisting of a 12-inch long tube, sealed at both ends and packed with an explosive substance, was planted on the rear passenger seat of car dealer Bill Bennett's car parked on the driveway of his home in Rocky Lane, Monton. The device exploded at 9pm on Monday.

The Mercedes car had Irish number plates but police have stressed the attack is not believed to be terrorist related. A team has been set up to hunt the bomber.

Mr Bennett, who was staying with friends today, is a classic car importer. He was alone in the house with his wife when the car blew up.

Police believe the bomber must have some engineering skills.

But Det Chief Insp Caldwell added: "The device on this occasion was crude but highly effective. Sad to say, though, the skills involved in building such a device can even be learned from the Internet these days."

A special team has been set up to hunt the bomber. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Swinton Police Station, tel: 0161 872 5050.

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