Police in the Australian Capital Territory have launched a major investigation after the discovery of nearly a dozen potentially lethal pipe bombs left on public footpaths and in parks around Canberra.
Public Urged to Avoid Suspicious Devices
ACT police have issued a stern warning to the public following the unsettling finds. Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that any explosive device in a public space is a serious concern. The clear instruction from authorities is for people not to touch or move any suspicious items, and to definitely not bring them to a police station. Instead, anyone who spots a potential device must call triple-zero immediately.
Devices Found Along Lake Ginninderra
The explosive items were all located within a concentrated area. A total of 11 pipe bombs have been recovered from a one-kilometre stretch of footpath near Lake Ginninderra, in Canberra's northwest. The first device was reported by a member of the public, triggering the police response.
Officers discovered a mix of intact and detonated devices over a two-day period. "A number of the devices have been located intact, and a number have been located partially destroyed," Detective Acting Inspector Wronski confirmed. Fortunately, police do not believe anyone was injured when some of the bombs exploded.
Investigation Ongoing, Motive Unknown
The origin of the pipe bombs and the identity of those responsible remain a mystery. Police have stated the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism, but the motive is unclear. Investigators are also uncertain how long the devices had been in place before being found and have not ruled out the possibility that more could be discovered.
Images released by ACT police show the crude nature of the explosives: a silver metal pipe with caps screwed on both ends. In one photograph, what appears to be a fuse can be seen protruding from a cap, highlighting the devices' dangerous and amateur construction.
The investigation continues as forensic officers and bomb disposal experts work to trace the source of the materials and identify who is behind this alarming series of events in the nation's capital.
