The Police Service of Northern Ireland says a bomb which exploded in Belfast city centre last night had the capacity to kill and maim.
They said a warning received by a local newspaper before the device went off gave the wrong location.
Dissident republicans are being blamed for the explosion in which no-one was injured.
The blast happened yesterday evening as police were clearing an area in the Cathedral Quarter following reports of a suspicious object.
Restaurants and bars which were busy for the festive season were evacuated.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny condemned the bombers.
"I condemn this atrocity as a mindless attack on the sanctity of human life, carried out by people whose depraved agenda cannot, and will not, be allowed to gain a foothold in Northern Ireland.
"We must remain ever-vigilant in ensuring that peace in Northern Ireland is maintained, and that it continues on its path to becoming an ever more progressive society," said Mr Kenny.
Nationalist and unionist politicians joined church and business leaders in condemnation.
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister David Ford said it was an attempt to kill on one of the city's busiest nights of the year.
"Yet again we see a reckless attempt to kill and injure innocent people in Belfast," Mr Ford said.
"The people carrying out these attacks have set out no reason and explained no cause for their acts of senseless violence," Mr he added.
"Their only aim seems to be to injure and disrupt. They ignore the strength of public support for normality and peace, especially at this Christmas season," said Mr Ford.
Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "This was a reckless attack aimed at a busy entertainment area of the city," she said.
"On one of busiest nights of the year with people enjoying the festivities ahead of Christmas, as well as all those in the final stages of Christmas shopping, it shows that these terrorists are stooping to a new low.
"This small minority want to drain the economic life from Belfast - but we will not let them succeed," she added.
Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said it was an "indiscriminate and reckless action" which was an attack on all the people of Belfast.
"Thankfully no-one was hurt. Those that voice support for these groups, whose only allegiance is to violence, need to come forward and explain to the people what they aim to achieve by this reckless action," said Mr Kelly.
"They are visionless and opponents of change who will not stop the people of Belfast and beyond from moving forward to a more equal and peaceful society," he added.
Party colleague and Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir sought to reassure people that the city was safe,
Democratic Unionist Assembly member and Policing Board representative Jonathan Craig said it was a miracle no-one was harmed.
"This was a reckless act which could have easily taken life or caused serious injury," he said.
"It was a miracle no-one was injured as the bomb exploded as the area was being evacuated.
"No family wants such tragedy visited on them at any time of the year but certainly not at Christmas. This should be a joyous time when families enjoy festive outings and meals together.
"The small remnant who have perpetrated this act need taken from our streets. The vast majority want to live peaceably," said Mr Craig.
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