The bombs are made from fireworks and other materials

Residents in Alfreton, Derbyshire have reported a series of loud explosions in the area over the past few weeks.

Crime prevention officer Bob Lee says he has dealt with dozens of calls from local residents who have heard loud explosions and seen plumes of black smoke.

He says teenagers could be setting fire to a series of fireworks or making home-made bombs from information readily available on the internet.

Two injured

"We think the explosions could be linked to something that is stronger and louder than fireworks," he said.

"Since the advent of the internet, recipes for bombs of all sorts are available on the web using chemicals, petrol and ordinary fireworks."

He said investigations had so far not resulted in any arrests or evidence of illegal bomb-making.

Pc Lee said two boys from Alfreton were taken to hospital on Tuesday evening with burns to their arms after playing with fireworks.