A controlled explosion took place in playing fields behind Ashby School in Range Road on Sunday evening.

Early reports suggested a device had been destroyed.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out the explosion in a skip with the noise being heard by residents in nearby housing estates.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman gave Ashby Nub News more details and said that a 'small container of hazardous liquid' was found by a member of the public earlier in the day.

This ignited and caused injury to a woman's foot while out on a litter pick.

Leicestershire Police added: "Police were called at around 1pm yesterday (Sunday) by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service reporting their attendance at an incident in Ashby.

"A member of the public had found a small container of hazardous liquid in an area of Range Road.

"A small amount of the liquid had leaked out and ignited causing an injury to the woman's foot.

"Officers attended and a cordon was put in place.

"A sample of the liquid was taken for testing at the National Hazardous Materials Testing Centre.

"The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were called to the scene and removed the container to a safe location where a controlled explosion was carried out."

Leicestershire Roads Policing Unit tweeted details of the explosion which occurred at around 9.30pm.

They posted: "Last night we supported LeicsPolice 24/7 Response and Ashby Fire Service by escorting a skip lorry on the 'hurry up', to assist with the disposal of a device found in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

"Saved putting a big hole in the field and the driver appreciated the experience!"

There was no need to evacuate people from surrounding houses.