POLICE are urging youngsters not to repeat a potentially fatal game played out on a Kent beach.

Parts of Whitstable were rocked on Tuesday night after a group of youths threw a 5kg gas canister onto a bonfire on the seafront causing an explosion that sent debris flying as far as half a mile across town.

The flying “shrapnel” damaged roofs and cars, and a section of metal was recovered from outside St Peter's Church.

Pictures were shaken from walls in surrounding houses and scores of burglar alarms were set off, prompting shocked residents contacted the emergency services.

Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) arrived at the scene, off Harbour Street, just before 8pm and saw a group of at least four youths were seen running away from the scene into Fountain Street – two were on foot and two were on bicycles.

A large blackened crater was all that was left of the bonfire.

Witnesses reported that the boys were laughing, but that one boy told another they should not have done it.

One of the boys is described as white with black curly hair, and was wearing a grey hooded top and striped navy and grey jumper.

It is believed no one was hurt in the incident, but officers said this was luck more than anything else.

Insp Gordon Etheridge said: "They are very fortunate to be alive. I have seen a small soda syphon cannister explode and nearly take a child's head off before.

“A colossal amount of energy would have been released when this large one, believed to have weighed around 5kg, exploded, which is horrendously dangerous.”

KFRS Arson Reduction Manager Dave Wales said: “I would urge anyone with information to assist in identifying those involved so that they can be made aware of the seriousness of their actions.”

The incident is being investigated as a crime.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 01227 762055 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

See this week's Whitstable Gazette for a full report.