A WOMAN has suffered severe burns after a basketball exploded in her face at a beach in Melbourne’s southeast.

The 21-year old Kerang woman was walking along the beach near Half Moon Bay at Black Rock about 10.40pm on Saturday, March 18, when she saw a basketball on the sand.

When the woman picked up the basketball it exploded.

She suffered burns to her face, head and forearms.

media_camera Half Moon Bay. Picture: Michael Klein

The woman rushed to the water to try and cool down and was later taken to hospital.

Police were told a group of males had possibly rolled the ball towards the woman and then walked away.

Police found the exploded basketball at the scene.

The reason for the explosion is not yet known and police are trying to establish whether the group intended for anyone to pick up the ball or why the group had it at the beach.

It’s believed the ball may have had sparklers or similar attached to it.

Detectives from the arson and explosive squad are investigating

Anyone with information about the explosion is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000