Authorities investigate bottle bomb incident on soccer field in Espoo

Authorities are investigating an incident in which a young individual threw a bottle bomb onto a soccer field in Espoo, resulting in eye injuries for one young player. The event occurred in July in Tiistilä, when a group of youths was playing soccer on a school field. Three young people approached, and one of them threw the explosive device toward the players.

The bottle detonated, causing injuries that required immediate hospitalization. It is currently unclear if the injured individual will suffer permanent eye damage. The police are treating the incident as aggravated assault.

According to Commissioner Hannu Väänänen from the West Uusimaa Police, the preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the three youths present at the scene manufactured the bottle bomb, while another from the same group was responsible for throwing it. Both the suspects and the victim are under 15 years old.

The police described a bottle bomb as a general term for a dangerous device, typically made by placing household chemicals inside a plastic bottle. This combination creates a chemical reaction that builds pressure within the closed container. Eventually, as the pressure increases, the bottle breaks, releasing its contents with a loud bang.