Orinda Police Called To Miramonte High To Investigate "Explosive Device"

Orinda police responded to Miramonte High School Thursday after a crude "explosive" device - believed to be a "bottle bomb" fashioned along the lines of those currently the rage on YouTube - was found on campus.

The device, which derives its explosive force from a variety of common chemical solutions poured into a bottle and then sealed, was believed to have been found in a trash can outside a campus restroom.

A neighbor reported hearing a "muffled" explosion shortly before the components of the device were located at around 10:25 a.m. but it could not be immediately determined if the device found Thursday had detonated or was whole and primed to go off.

No injuries were reported in Thursday's incident. A rise in the use of the "bombs" has been linked to social media posts depicting their construction and use and in at least one case in Marin County has resulted in arrest for teens who allegedly set off one of the devices.

Explosive experts said timed detonation of the bombs is unreliable and that they can "cook" for some time, perhaps exploding in the hands of an unsuspecting person who picks one up. They advise anyone who finds a bottle with a suspicious susbstance inside to clear the area and to notify police via 911.