Petrol bombs hurled at Vic house

A number of petrol bombs have apparently been thrown at a Melbourne house.

Police say a series of small explosive devices they suspect were petrol bombs were hurled at the front of the Essendon home shortly before 7am on Sunday.

Up to nine petrol bombs were thrown at the house.

However, police say the occupants are new to the area and the reason for the incident is not clear.

"There's no real motivation as to why that premises was targeted," Detective Senior Constable Brad Potts told reporters at the scene.

"We're exploring the option that it may be a case of mistaken identity."