Melbourne residents woke to a car explosion outside a house that was heard up to 3km away.
IT is likely a bomb placed at the rear of a Ford Territory was the cause of a terrifying explosion in Melbourne's southeast last night, police say.
The blast at about 11.30pm destroyed the vehicle and shook homes in Elstar Rd, Narre Warren.
It shattered windows and sending shrapnel flying several metres into the air.
Detective Senior Constable Jim Gogorossis said forensics officers were yet to determine the cause of the explosion but said it was likely a device placed near the Ford Territory was responsible.
"A device, which is probably a bomb, would be a good description," he said.
Det Sen Const Gogorossis said the shellshocked couple inside the house where the car was parked couldn't explain the attack.
"They're very shaken and they're very concerned and, again, they're appealing for any assistance which may be provided," he said.
Det Sen Const Gogorossis said while he believed the couple, aged in their 20s, were known to police he couldn't say if the explosion was targeted.
He said it was a miracle no-one was injured.
"It was very thoughtless and dangerous with people in close proximity, and the amount of damage sustained to the houses - very dangerous situation."
Neighbours said the explosion "felt like an earthquake" with the blast heard kilometres away.
Police and fire investigators at the scene of a car bomb blast in Narre Warren. Picture: Hamish Blair Hamish
Rob Marotta said he didn’t want to sleep at his home tonight, after the bomb blast that "sounded like an airplane crashed in my backyard".
"People have been ringing me this morning to find out what happened, one of the guys said they heard it in Belgrave, which would be more than 10kms away," he said.
Mr Marotta said he and other residents were ushered off the street by police and were told there was concern that another bomb could go off.
Neighbour Kim Peters, who lives metres from the explosion, said all of the pictures inside her home fell from the wall.
"I felt like I was in a war zone. We've been up all night," she said.
"I've never seen anything like this before."
Police scour the scene where a car exploded on the street. Picture: Hamish Blair
Resident Ron Ferguson said the blast shattered his kitchen window and sent debris flying into his backyard.
"It's the loudest thing I've ever heard. The whole house just shook. People say they heard it from Berwick," Mr Ferguson said.
Stephen Rowe said he was woken by the force of the blast.
"I was asleep and heard a loud bang, then my picture fell off the wall and hit me," he said.
"We thought it was a gas tank.
"(It was) scary, very scary."
Neighbour Stephen Rowe said this picture fell on his bed from the force of the blast. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Arson chemists continue to examine the scene.
Det Sen Const Gogorossis said while no-one of interest was seen in the area, police were looking intodescriptions of vehicles seen in the area around the time of the blast.
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
