Police have issued a warning after a military distraction grenade was thrown towards a group of youths in Sileby.
The incident occurred in the Seagrave Road area of Sileby at about 12.30am yesterday. No-one was injured.
The incident involved a distraction device, commonly known as a flash bang, being thrown in the direction of the youths.
The device is used by military personnel to distract the enemy.
It is activated when the handle is pulled and emits bright lights and deafening sounds.
It contains an explosive charge and can cause serious injury if it goes off in the hand.
Detective Sergeant Scott Cairns of the Force serious crime team, said: "The device is for military and crowd control use and not available to the public.
"Inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the device came to be where it was."
He added: "Fortunately we haven't received any reports of anyone being injured. But from inquiries we've conducted, we have been informed that the device has a one second delay from release of handle until detonation and as such can cause serious injury if held."
He stressed: "If anyone has any information about the device or has seen any similar devices they are asked to contact the police on 101 so they can be destroyed safely."
