Southampton in a joint "routine'' operation between the US Navy and local Police.

But the loud bangs West End residents reported hearing were not expected.

"This sort of operation is done routinely, but it is not normally as loud,'' Police spokesperson Sgt. Roseanda Jones said. "For some reason -- that's unknown -- it was of greater intensity this time.'' Sgt. Jones said Police and Navy officers immediately took steps after the first few bangs to keep the noise down.

The explosives included old stun grenades and flares belonging to the US Navy base and Marine Police, Sgt. Jones said.

Police had originally stated the explosives belonged to the Bermuda Regiment.

But later said, "It was in fact outdated ordnance from the Bermuda Police and the US Base.'' When contacted a Bermuda Regiment spokesman had denied the explosives were anything to do with the Regiment.

Several West End residents had reported hearing loud bangs in the area in the late morning. One Warwick resident said they were so intense they shook his roof and windows.

"We do apologise for any inconveniences this may have caused,'' Sgt. Jones said, adding, "Destroying outdated explosives is a normal procedure but on this occasion they were of greater intensity, hence the loud noises.'' A US Base spokesperson said: "There was no danger to the public.''