Vic youths lob explosives in forest

Three youths have been spotted detonating explosives in a state forest in northeastern Victoria.

The youths were throwing bottles containing a yellow liquid that exploded on impact while sitting on the tray of a ute being driven around the Stanley Forest near Yackandandah on Saturday.

Arson chemists say the liquid was a mixture of two chemicals that caused an explosion when mixed.

Three vehicles, including two with green P-plates, were seen in the area.

Leading Senior Constable Lukas Millar says the behaviour was extremely dangerous.

"It is believed the people responsible are possibly local and that their actions have endangered themselves and others," he said.