Moscow police say an off-duty Russian police lieutenant has been hospitalized after a Second World War-era land mine exploded on the side of a highway.

Police say the officer found the mine alongside the highway and sustained injuries after it exploded.

A passerby on the highway saw the injured officer and stopped to help.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported earlier Saturday that a man was injured along the highway after picking up an undetonated explosive device, resulting in injuries to his hands and face.

Moscow police haven't yet commented on the specifics of the officer's injuries.