Police have launched an investigation after a small explosive device was found on a street in Nelson last night.

Officers were called to Pinfold Place at about 8.10pm on Wednesday, March 21, after neighbours reported hearing a loud bang.

On arrival the remnants of what appeared to be a small home-made explosive device were found in the street. These have been collected for examination and an inquiry, led by the Force Major Investigation Team, is underway to find who is responsible.

Police said it appears at this stage that no-one was injured in the explosion and that no damage was caused.

Police officers and specialist support staff will be in the area today as part of the investigation conducting an examination of the scene, carrying out searches and completing house to house inquiries as well as offering reassurance and support to the local community.

Det Supt Neil Hunter, from FMIT, is leading the investigation. He said: “We are in the early stages of this investigation but it is clear that this device had the potential to cause significant damage or serious injury and it is extremely fortunate that no-one was hurt.

“We are now trying to establish who is responsible for making this device and leaving it in the street. If this was a prank I would urge the person responsible to come forward. We are following a number of lines of enquiry and I would appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area yesterday evening or who has any information to get in touch with police by calling 101.”

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.