Bahrain's forensic teams are examining a device that exploded in a minibus outside the British Embassy in Manama, early on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Al Hokoma road shortly after midnight, blowing off the vehicle's front wheel and bumper and leaving a 30cm-diameter hole under the driver's seat.

Five cars were damaged in the explosion that showered debris up to 32 metres away, but nobody was injured.

The minibus was later taken away for closer inspection and is being scoured for fingerprints and other evidence.

Interior Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Salah Saif told a Press conference yesterday that the material used in the blast was "highly explosive".

"It is an unknown type of device planted under the front of the minibus," he told journalists at the Interior Ministry's Officers' Club, Gudaibiya.

"It is presently being tested at our forensic laboratory to find out the materials used."

Police cordoned off the area following the blast, which took place about 50 metres from the British Embassy.

Lt Col Saif said he could not reveal whether any arrests had been made or if the owner of the minibus had been tracked down, during the Press conference, which took place at 1.30pm.

"We cannot reveal further details as it could affect our investigations," he said.

However, he admitted that he expected questions about possible Iranian involvement - especially after protesters stormed the British Embassy in Tehran last week.

"Iranian incitement has reactions, as well as dangerous training in Syria as we mentioned before," he said, without going further.

A mosque, a restaurant and a branch of the State Bank of India are all located in the vicinity of the blast.

Lt Saif said they would continue to provide safety for citizens and residents and urged public to report any suspicious vehicle parked near vital establishments.

"The public will be informed of the latest findings as details become available," he said.

The explosion follows last month's announcement that authorities had foiled a major terror plot with links to Iran.

The suspects were allegedly planning to target the King Fahad Causeway, the Saudi Embassy in Bahrain and the Interior Ministry headquarters in Manama after receiving weapons and explosives training with the help of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Basij resistance forces.-TradeArabia News Service