Police yesterday said the explosion took place outside the officer's home in Steele Street, Devonport, on Saturday night. 

In what appears to be a targeted attack the explosion occurred about 9.30pm but caused only minor damage to the officer's Nissan Patrol. 

``We think it's a weak and gutless attack on a member of the police service serving the community,'' Police Association of Tasmania president Pat Allen said yesterday. 

``An attack on the police service like this is an attack on society basically.

``The man has a family who live in the house with him, children, and he deserves to be protected as much as anyone else in the community.'' 

The attack closely resembles a series of fire bombings that rocked Devonport in 2007. 

In that incident a marked police car was also fire-bombed outside an officer's home on Steele Street.

Police did not say whether they were linked or if it involved the same officer. 

However, it's not the first time his vehicle has been targeted with police revealing it has been damaged in recent weeks. 

Following the loud explosion the street was blocked off and police forensic units examined the scene. 

``This sort of activity cannot be tolerated within any community police serve,'' Western District Commander, Lauchland Avery said yesterday, however, he would not comment further. 

Mr Allen urged anyone with information  to come forward. 

``Somebody out there knows who it is, somebody out there would have an idea,'' he said. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Devonport CIB or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.