Derby police warn of "bottle bombs"

DERBY, Conn. (WTNH) -- Derby police are warning residents about homemade chemical bottle bombs that have been left on area lawns and driveways.

Police say the potential threat is real.

The bombs are made from common household chemicals mixed in plastic bottles. The suspects place these bombs in front of homes, where they explode almost immediately.

"Out our window we heard a really bang and it sounded like a gunshot," said Christina Caron, neighbor.

Some East Derby neighbors don't think there's anything funny about what police are calling "bottle bombs".

"It is concerning when something like that is going on in the neighborhood," said Cheryl Alling, neighbor.

Police say inside the plastic bottles are different household cleaners. And when combined, they're explosive.

Police reports say they've been chasing "bottle bomb" calls all over the Hilltop neighborhood and parts of Ansonia.

A reason why Cheryl Alling told her daughter and her friends, "don't touch anything, you don't know what's inside, it could be very dangerous."

"I thought especially for the little one that we need to stay away from those things," said Megan Alling.

Another neighbor says it's time for summer to be over.

"I thought it was some kids trying to get ready to go back to school and waste some time maybe, and get the city of Derby riled up," Caron said.

And her five-year-old Samantha is ready for her first day.

"What's your favorite thing about school," asked News 8's Stephanie Simoni.

"Playing on the playground," said Samantha.

It's kids like Samantha who police worry about. They say if these homemade bottle rockets don't explode, and curious kids approach, the combination could be dangerous.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Derby Police Department at (203) 735-7811.