A PENSIONER has had an unknown item which was doused in lighter fuel put through the letterbox of his Derby home.
The man, who is in his 70s, discovered the foil-wrapped item when he returned to his Littleover home at 9.30pm last night.
Police say as he walked in the door he noticed "a distinctive smell," saw the item underneath the letterbox and called police.
It had not been set alight and there was no damage.
Scenes of crime officers have this morning been analysing the scene, in Rowley Lane.
Inspector Richard Keene, who is in charge of policing in the area, said: "This seems like an extremely dangerous prank that had the potential to go seriousy wrong.
"A vulnerable and elderly genetleman was the subject of this crime and I would like to reassure the public that this was very much a one-off incident.
"Our team of officers are making a thorough investigation at the scene and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice."
Anyone with information or who saw suspicious activity in the area at the time is asked to call 101.
The man, who is in his 70s, discovered the foil-wrapped item when he returned to his Littleover home at 9.30pm last night.
Police say as he walked in the door he noticed "a distinctive smell," saw the item underneath the letterbox and called police.
It had not been set alight and there was no damage.
Scenes of crime officers have this morning been analysing the scene, in Rowley Lane.
Inspector Richard Keene, who is in charge of policing in the area, said: "This seems like an extremely dangerous prank that had the potential to go seriousy wrong.
"A vulnerable and elderly genetleman was the subject of this crime and I would like to reassure the public that this was very much a one-off incident.
"Our team of officers are making a thorough investigation at the scene and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice."
Anyone with information or who saw suspicious activity in the area at the time is asked to call 101.