AN explosion heard across large parts of Bournemouth in the early hours of this morning was caused by a firework in a bin, said police.

The loud bang, heard across the Winton, Redhill and Queens Park area, led to the bin and a nearby vehicle being damaged just before 1am today.

Police said they believe a firework or similar item was placed in the bin at Winton Recreation Ground but the cause still has to be confirmed.

Officers also received reports of teenagers running away from the scene around the time of the incident.

There were no reports of any injuries to members of the public.

Police are continuing to make inquiries into the incident and officers will be carrying out patrols in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 19:07.