NT Police cordoned off a park in Moulden and called in a bomb technician to defuse a homemade explosive device after the pipe bomb was discovered in the grasslands on Davoren Circuit, NT Police said.

The discovery was made around 1:30pm on Monday, which precipitated the Tactical Response Group being brought in to confirm the suspicious item was in fact a bomb.

“The item was rendered safe by a bomb technician and removed from the scene,” said Acting Superintendent Shaun Gill.

Police are investigating who made the bomb and cautioned the public about the potential destruction from the devices.

“It’s concerning that someone has made such a device, these devices are incredibly dangerous and by the nature of their construction can cause serious harm and destruction,” Supt Gill said.

At a press conference later, police said the potential for the bomb to go off would have been “catastrophic” had a child happened to find it.

“We’re doing investigations into the circumstances and how it was placed, and the intent and so on,” Supt Gill said.

“The fact that they’ve left it in a park is an incredible risk to the public.

“The thought of somebody else accidentally picking this up — the thought of a child picking this up — is catastrophic to think about to be blunt.”

“The matter remains under investigation, anyone with information as to the origins of the device is asked to call Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”