A SLEEPING neighbourhood was rocked by an explosion at the weekend.

Residents were woken by a massive blast that ripped through an alley, blowing in nearby windows and setting off burglar alarms.

Police suspect the explosion, in an alley between Oxford Street and Montrose Street, in Saltburn, east Cleveland, was caused by some form of explosive left inside a wheelie bin.

Although no one was hurt, officers said they are taking the incident seriously.

Forensic experts are trying to establish what kind of explosive material could have caused the blast, which was heard up to a mile away and flung debris over rooftops. Conventional fireworks have been ruled out.

Worried residents immediately thought a gas explosion was responsible for the blast, which occurred between 11.30pm and midnight on Saturday.

One Montrose Street resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There was an incredibly violent bang and everyone ran out into the street to see what it was.

"There was the smell of burning everywhere, and I could hear burglar alarms going off because of the force of the blast.

"The shelves were rattling in my house and everyone was talking about it the next morning. We all thought it sounded like a gas explosion, but no one seems to know for sure."

Detective Sergeant Paul Richardson, of Redcar police, said it appeared to be a prank that could have gone seriously wrong.

Police are treating the incident seriously.

He said: "It appears that a wheelie bin exploded after someone put explosive substances in it. Everything suggests it was a deliberate act.

"The force was so great that the bin was completely obliterated, with some of it flying over the roofs of houses.

"Some of the bin hit windows and caused some damage. Many people thought it was a gas explosion because of the incredible noise.

"Although no one was hurt and the damage caused was relatively minor, the serious potential of this incident is causing us some concern."

Scenes of crime officers visited the site yesterday, and a forensic examination was also under way.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Sgt Richardson on (01642) 302626.