Park, Hamilton, on Saturday afternoon.

The Police's explosive ordnance disposal team are now investigating why the substance was in the area, although it's thought the material is unlikely to come from the Bermuda Regiment and may have an industrial use.

The tourist placed them in a tyre before calling Police, who searched the area and found more of the explosive which was taken back to base for identification.

The material -- known as Superfrac 6000 -- is also used by Police to force open buildings but it is harmless without a detonator. It is also used for controlled explosions when bombs are found.

A Police insider said: "Two pounds could take out a wall.'' DRIVER HAS SUDDEN FLARE FOR DRAMATIC TRA Driver has sudden flare for dramatic Car importers will be told to hand in distress flares which come as accessories on foreign cars after a woman accidentally set one off while examining it.

The woman found the device in the glove compartment of her Nissan while waiting in traffic on Parliament Street on Sunday morning. While examining the red canister she took the top off, causing a flame to leap out.

The panicking driver then tossed the device out of the window and Police were called.

A Police spokesperson said the flares are dangerous and unnecessary in Bermuda.

Police Press Officer Evelyn James Barnett said: "Members of the public, particularly car dealers, are asked to contact Police for advice on the proper way of handling and disposing of these items.'' AMOROUS STRANGER LIFTS WALLET FROM TOURIST CRM Amorous stranger lifts wallet from tourist A drinker had his wallet swiped by an amorous stranger in the Wharf Tavern on Saturday night.

The woman propositioned the tourist who turned her down. However he continued to talk to her and she began touching him before leaving.

When he went to pay his bar bill he noticed both his wallets were missing.

They were found later in the ladies' room with the cash missing.

The woman is described as brown-skinned, around five-feet-5-inches tall with shoulder-length hair and glasses.

CHILD HOSPITALISED AFTER PLAYGROUND ACCIDENT AC Child hospitalised after playground accident A five-year-old needed emergency surgery after being hit by a scrambler bike ridden by a teen at Pembroke playground.

The 16-year-old is helping Police with inquiries and Police are eager to hear from witnesses to the accident at around 11.30 a.m. on Saturday morning.

If you can help call P.c. Stovell at Hamilton police station on 295 0011.

BEATING FAILS TO DETER ROBBER CRM Beating fails to deter robber A handbag snatcher ignored a hail of blows to snatch a purse from a car seat on Friday night.

The thief had approached a woman who was returning to her car and asked her for change for a bus fare.

When she started to hand it over he moved in closer and the frightened woman attacked him with an umbrella.

It had no effect, so she started kicking him, but the man carried on and grabbed a purse from the car. But as he ran off the contents of the purse fell out.

The man was described as slim, dark-skinned, aged around 38, with a goatee and short hair. He was wearing a blue top, black pants and had a cream top tied around his waist.

GAMING MACHINE FOILS THIEF CRM Gaming machine foils thief Police officers are investigating an unsuccessful attempt to steal money from a Devonshire Club's gaming machine.

Officers responded to an activated security alarm at the club at 3.30 a.m. and found someone had gained entry to the building and tried to open the machine.

Apparently this set off the alarm and the culprit had fled the scene before the officers arrived.