MILITARY-style thunderflashes destroyed a gravestone in a Lowton church yard at the weekend.

Other similar explosives are though to be the cause of a series of mystery explosions in other areas of Greater Manchester.

The firework-like incendiaries appliances are used by the army to create explosions, mainly used in training.

Nine separate explosions were reported, mostly in the Salford area, which damaged or destroyed public telephone boxes. A car was wrecked after one of the devices was set off inside it.

Leigh police were alerted on Saturday night after passers-by reported hearing a loud bang at St Mary's Church, Newton Road.

A detective said: "A gravestone was destroyed by the explosion. It appears a thunderflash was placed in an urn.

"Many people would have heard the explosion and I am aware that there were other similar explosions in the Salford area which may be connected."

George Thompson and John Ruffley, both voluntary caretakers at St Mary's, said they were disgusted at the level of damage.

Mr Thompson said: "Only last week somebody tampered with one of the headstones. I hope it doesn't go any further."

A mystery explosion was also reported at Highfield Road Industrial Estate, Little Hulton.

A police spokesman said: "We are are investigating reports of a number of loud explosions in the Pendleton and Ordsall areas.

"We believe they may have been caused by industrial type fireworks or similar devices.

"It is thought they could be responsible for causing some damage to a number of phone boxes."

Anyone with information can contact Salford Police on 0161 856 5143.

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