About 1.10am on Sunday 22nd of November 2015, Police were contacted by the Tasmania Fire Service in relation to a vehicle fire on Drake Street, Devonport.

The vehicle was deliberately set on fire and a loud explosion occurred prior to it being extinguished. The vehicle did not contain explosives; rather, evidence suggests the loud explosion was the result of the windows being forced out due to the rapid expansion of air within the confined space of the vehicle when on fire.

The vehicle was destroyed by the fire and a nearby residence was damaged by flying debris from the explosion.  No one was injured.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has information in relation to the fire; or specifically, observed a grey or silver SUV parked facing East on the Bass Highway about 1.15am this morning; or observed anything suspicious in the area of the intersection of Drake and Elizabeth Streets, Devonport.

Any person with information is urged to contact Devonport CIB or Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131444.