'Bottle Bomb' Found at Rotary Park

An already exploded "bottle bomb" was found at Rotary Park on Friday. The homemade explosive contained a plastic bottle that most likely contained household cleaners and tinfoil, which can cause a chemical reaction.

The Leesburg Police arrived to find pieces scattered across the playground after a parent had noticied the suspicious object while pushing his children on a nearby swing. Master Police Officer Christopher Tidmore said he was unable to comment on what was found. Loudoun County Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management took over the investigation, he said.

"From memory, this is the first incident we have had in quite some time," Tidmore said in an email. It is unknown when the "bottle bomb" went off, if it was intended to hurt someone or was just an experiment. 

Either way, if someone notices a bottle bomb or suspicious package it should not be touched, Tidmore said, and local law enforcement should be contacted immediately. 

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