Gosford explosions were ‘brazen, targeted attacks’ using LPG gas cylinders, police say

Two explosions in Gosford yesterday were set off using LPG gas cylinders in targeted attacks, NSW Police have said.

A man wearing a backpack entered the first building, a legal aid office on Donnison Street in Gosford, at 2.15pm yesterday with an “improvised explosive device”.

Police say he ignited the device, described as a “small domestic LPG Cylinder” in a targeted attack.

“That fire caused minimal damage, I’m happy to report there were no injuries at that location,” NSW Police Superintendent Darryl Jobson said.

Jobson said the man then entered a second building on the same street with a “canvas bag on wheels” and ignited a second LPG cylinder.

“It would appear as though he has got another bag from a location we’re not aware of,” Jobson said.

“That bag has then gone with him into a building… he’s then got into an elevator up to level three, which is an area occupied by a private law firm.”

“Similarly, he ignited a similar device … being a small domestic LPG cylinder… that fire was more substantial … I would describe it as a moderate fire.”

Jobson said both attacks were targeted and not random in nature.

A 54-year-old employee was treated for smoke inhalation from the second office. No other injuries have been reported.

NSW Police said the incident could have had an “entirely different outcome.”

“This is a brazen attack … violent behaviour that we will not tolerate,” Jobson said.

Detectives are currently trying to figure out the motive for the attacks and have asked the public to help identify the man in a picture they have released from CCTV footage.

“At this stage obviously motive is something we are very interested in, it’s obvious there was a reason why the man went to those locations,” Jobson said.

“We are keen to ascertain what that reason is.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.