The discovery of multiple pipe bombs along footpaths near a lake in Canberra’s north-west shocked residents this week.
The 1.5-kilometre park area along the shore of Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen is filled with dog beaches, a cycling park and walking trails, which, in early January and in the middle of school holidays, remains relatively sleepy.
But the discovery of 15 explosive devices since Tuesday — some of which had been detonated — has raised questions about how the devices came to be there and who could be responsible.
What was found?
On Wednesday police issued a warning to the public that they had found several pipe bombs in public areas around the lake.
The explosive devices were found around Lake Ginninderra between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive in Belconnen. (ABC News: Phil Jaiyawong)
On Friday ACT Policing said it had found four more of the devices along the 1.5km strip, bringing the total to 15.
Some of the explosives were found detonated and others were detonated by police.
Images of the devices show silver pipe-shaped objects with screw tops, which can fit in a person’s hand, lying on the ground outdoors.
Police say they are not aware of anyone sustaining injuries, or property being damaged, by one of the explosives detonating.
Who is responsible?
Some of the explosive devices were already detonated prior to being found, and some have been detonated by police. (Supplied: ACT Policing)
An investigation into where the explosive devices came from is underway.
Some users on social media have suggested the devices may have been created by bored teenagers, but there is no evidence to prove that speculation.
In a press conference on Wednesday ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski said it would be “inappropriate” to comment on why the devices were being left in public spaces, but said it was not being treated as an act of terrorism.
“Any explosive is dangerous,” she said.
“We are treating this very seriously and investigations are ongoing.”
Is this happening elsewhere in Canberra?
Sniffer dogs have been deployed to help with the search for explosive devices in Canberra. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)
According to police, there is no indication there are more devices in other parts of Canberra linked to the 15 already found.
However, an ACT Policing spokesperson confirmed authorities received four reports of explosive devices located in the vicinity of Tantangara Street in Duffy between December 15 last year and January 15 this year.
“The explosive devices were rendered safe and then seized by police,” the spokesperson said.
“Enquiries into the source of the explosive devices remain ongoing but there is no indication to suggest these devices are linked to those found in the Belconnen area earlier this week.”
What happens if I find a suspicious device?
Police have released photos of pipe bombs as they urge Canberrans to report suspicious objects. (Supplied: ACT Policing)
Police have urged members of the public to avoid touching the devices if they find them and to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Acting Inspector Wronski said there were no concerns for people to avoid the area, but reiterated advice to contact police if a member of the public found something resembling one of the devices.
“We do not want members of the public to pick them up, we do not want them to bring them to police stations,” she said.
ACT Policing said it had cleared the area between Ginninderra Drive and Joynton Smith Drive and would continue to respond to reports of suspected explosive devices as required.