Sydney woman caught in suburban bomb ordeal

Updated

A desperate operation is underway to seperate a young woman from a potentially explosive device in one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs.

Police were called to the house on Burrawong Avenue in the north shore suburb of Mosman at 2.30pm (AEST).

Earlier reports suggested the device was placed on the woman's neck by a man in a balaclava. There were also reports the man left a note in what is suspected to be an exortion attempt.

Two negotiation experts are keeping the young woman calm while two bomb disposal experts examine the device.

Police say the 18-year-old is holding up well in the circumstances, but would not confirm whether the device was attatched to her neck.

So far the device has stumped bomb disposal experts, who have been in contact with the Australian Federal Police and are undertaking research in an attempt to learn more about the object.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch refused to be drawn on whether the device was attached to the woman, saying it was "in the near vicinity".

"Our initial responders found a young woman alone in the house with a suspicious package," he said.

He says bomb technicians and police negotiators are with her inside the house, and police are treating the device as "live".

"There is a device which we are examining and it is proving a tought nut to crack," he said.

"We're speaking to a number of agencies, not internationally but within Australia - the AFP in particular.

"Clearly what has transpired tonight is a very painstaking and meticulous operation."

The Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, which deals with extortion and kidnap for ransom, are leading the investigation.

Police have confirmed, however, that they have not been in contact with the person that left the device with the young woman.

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Assistant Commissioner Murdoch says the young woman's parents have not been allowed into the house and have had no contact with their daughter.

"They're probably doing it a little bit tougher than she is," he said. "They're concerned loving parents and they care about their daughter."

"It's a very serious incident where the life of a young lady is at risk.

"We've got a perimeter in place to protect the scene and to protect other people from being injured, it would be foolish to put other people at risk, parents or not."

He says the young woman is located towards the front of the house, refused to give a time frame for the operation, saying police would take as long as needed to ensure her safety.

"We are also working very hard to ensure the young lady [is safe]. The spirits of the young lady are good. It is getting cold as the night progresses and we are making sure the young lady is as comfortable as she can be."

"The circumstances are very difficult for her. She is doing a great job keeping her emotions in check."

Streets in the area have been cordoned off and houses have been evacuated in the street on Sydney's leafy North Shore, which is also home to horse trainer Gai Waterhouse.

They are calling for witnesses and anyone who might have information about the situation to call CrimeStoppers on 1300 333 000.

Topics: police, mosman-2088

First posted