Police are investigating an early morning explosion in a trash can in Ocean County.

Ocean County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Al Della Fave says Barnegat police received calls about a loud explosion around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. When officers arrived, they saw a cloud of smoke coming from the rubber container on the curb between 81 Village Drive and 82 Windward Drive. 

Neighbors tell News 12 New Jersey that the explosion was loud enough to wake them up.

Police say debris was scattered about 10 yards away, but there was no damage to surrounding homes or vehicles.

Della Fave says investigators believe the blast was likely more of a nuisance and not meant to cause harm given the time and location.

Officials were not sure what caused the explosion, and the debris will be analyzed.

Barnegat police say anyone who might have any information about the explosion is asked to call Barnegat Police Detective Maryann Cirulli at 609-698-5000 or Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Detective Uricks at 732-929-2027.