St Denys residents left in shock as wheelie bin explodes

Residents on the Saltmead estate were left in a state of panic after their Sunday evenings were interrupted by the bang, which has been described by one person as akin to as if "some sort of invasion had started".

It happened at around 6pm on Sunday.

A Saltmead resident of 25 years said a group of around ten teenagers had been seen around the area shortly before the explosion, which has left rubbish strewn across the street.

(Image: NQ) He added: “We were inside when [we heard] this almighty smack-bang – it sounded like a bomb had gone off, I thought some sort of invasion had started.

“Everyone came to their window and doors – as I got the door I could see the group of yobs scatter in all different direction.

“If anyone was near that explosion when it went off it could have seriously hurt someone."

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Beer cans, food wrappers and green shards of plastic were left scattered around the pavement outside the homes on Monday morning, which are located on the banks of the  River Itchen.

Those present at the time believe that a large firework could have caused the explosion. 

Residents said they wanted to see more police patrols in a bid to deter the groups of teens that have been gathering in Saltmead in the past couple of years.

“When I first moved here it was lovely and quiet and we would have regular police patrols, we used to see the bobbys walking around here," the resident continued.

"I can't remember the last time I saw police do a patrol on Saltmead.”

Saltmead, St Denys (Image: NQ)

Marie Finn, who represents St Denys, said she was shocked to find out that such an incident had taken place in the quiet road.

She added: “I was shocked to hear about the firework explosion in a bin at Saltmead.

“I am very relieved that nobody was hurt - I plan to talk with the police and local residents to find out more about the circumstances and see if there are any safeguards that need to be put in place to prevent it happening again.”

Police step up patrols

Temporary Sergeant Elaine Cook said: “We are aware of recent reports of antisocial behaviour in the area, and understand the impact that incidents of this nature has on our communities.

“Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out proactive patrols in the area concerned, engaging with the local community in the process.

“These visible reassurance patrols will continue in the area in the coming days and weeks, as will our enquiries into the reports we’ve so far received, as we continue to investigate.

“If you witness any antisocial behaviour where you live, or are yourself a victim of any incidents, please call 101 to report this at the earliest opportunity.

“The more information we have, the more we can look to act upon this and deal with the issues reported to us, as well as those responsible.”