MYSTERY surrounds an explosion that rocked the quiet East Riding town of Hedon.
Residents have spoken of a "bomb" exploding at the Market Hill car park near St Augustine's Church, just before 2am yesterday.
Forensic experts and the Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal unit were at the scene of the explosion, which is near a nursery school and two doctors' surgeries.
Detective Inspector Paul Kirby, of Humberside Police, said they were taking it very seriously, although he moved to reassure residents it is not believed to be linked to terrorism.
He would not comment on the scale of the explosion or what it was that exploded.
He said: "I cannot explain what happened yet. We are keeping an open mind and have no reasons why this might have happened here.
"We would like to reassure residents we are happy with our investigations and that the area is safe.
"Investigations are continuing."
A resident, living near the car park, was woken by the explosion and called police at about 1.45am after spotting a fire.
Police and fire officers went to the area and discovered a small fire burning out at the point where residents say the explosion had taken place.
Hedon Town Councillor Mike Bryan, whose Hedon Hire business is located next to the car park, said police officers asked him to help direct pedestrians away from the area yesterday morning.
"I was asked by the police to ring up some councillors to help direct people away," he said.
"I was told by police in the morning that it was a bomb.
"I have never known anything like it and I have lived in Hedon for the vast majority of my life.
"I'm not sure what happened as the police have given me very little information."
Nobody was believed to have been in the area at the time of the explosion and no injuries have been reported. One 78-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was woken by the bang.
"It was so loud, it left me shaking," she said.
"You don't expect anything like this to happen in Hedon. I am astonished it happened so near.
"They really need to catch who has done this, even if it was some kind of joke. What has happened will frighten a lot of people."
The car park and small grassy area, in which victims of the plague are buried, was cordoned off foremost of yesterday as officers carried out a detailed search of the area.
Parents arriving at the two nurseries were alarmed a police cordon had not been in place when they dropped their children off before 9am.
One parent posted on the Hedon blog: "Took child in to preschool and then came outside to bomb squad and went back in to pull my daughter out".
Hedon Town Mayor Councillor Jim Lindop went to the car park in an attempt to find out what had gone on.
He said: "I'm really surprised what has happened. You don't expect something like this in an historic market town in East Yorkshire.
"I think the last time we had anything like this was during the Second World War when a Luftwaffe came over the town and killed a full family.
"I don't know much about what has happened but that the police don't think it is terrorism activities.
"The question still remains – why Hedon and why someone has done this?"
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
