SYDNEY (BNO NEWS) -- Police in the Australian city of Sydney are
investigating a possible explosive device which has been strapped around
the neck of an 18-year-old girl, officials said on Wednesday.
A police spokesperson said officers were called to a multi-million
dollar house in Sydney's exclusive suburb of Mosman at around 2.30 p.m.
local time after receiving a 000 call from an 18-year-old girl. It is
believed the teenager lives at the property with her parents.
According to Australian media reports, it is believed that a
balaclava-clad men had entered the home when the girl was home alone and
placed a device around her neck. A note is attached to the device,
reports said, although it was not immediately known what is on it.
"While the very delicate operation continues at the house with the
bomb squad officers, highly-skilled investigators have been working
behind the scenes since the incident was first reported," Assistant
Commissioner Mark Murdoch said during a news briefing. "Given the nature
of the incident, I am sure you can all appreciate we need to keep the
cards very close to our chest."
Murdoch said the teenager is being supported by specialist police who
are inside the home while her parents are being kept up-to-date from
outside the house. Because of the incident, a number of surrounding
homes have been evacuated and roads have been blocked.
Police said it was not yet clear if the device is actually a bomb,
but officers are treating it as a live explosive device until they have
more information. "Bomb Squad officers remain inside the house where
they are examining the device and supporting the woman," police said in a
statement, adding that the incident is not being treated as self-harm.
"The process demands a high-level of skill and must be meticulous."
Meanwhile, police have appealed for the public's help. "Investigators
want to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity around the
home or on Burrawong Avenue this afternoon to contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000," the statement said.
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