A man in his 50s was evacuated as a safety precaution as the bomb response squad was deployed.

A resident of the street has told police they saw three men in a car drive past the home and throw the device - sparklers attached to an aerosol can - into the front yard, Sergeant Mark Bell said.

"The wet grass extinguished the device before it exploded," he said.

The area has since been deemed safe and an exclusion zone from Cox to Bakewell Street has been lifted.

An investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact Bendigo police on 5448 1300.

People can also call Crime Stoppers or visit their website, anonymously if they wish, on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

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