Dramatic moment tactical police storm a unit block in major manhunt after a government building and legal office in Gosford were firebombed
A man suspected of firebombing a government building and a nearby legal office remains on the run, as police conducted a dramatic raid on a building just a stone’s throw from his first alleged target overnight.
Police are conducting a major manhunt after a Legal Aid building and a lawyers’ offices were hit in an arson attack in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast on Tuesday afternoon.
Incredibly, no one was seriously hurt in the incident, which sparked a mass evacuation and locked down the city’s CBD.
Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed around two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot cops descending on an apartment building on Baker Street – less than 100 metres from the Legal Aid offices, which were still being forensically examined.
It came just hours after police released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the suspected arson attacks.
The grainy picture depicts a white-haired man wearing a surgical mask, dull green cap and t-shirt and jeans with a bag sitting by his feet.
Police officers were seen showing the image to residents of the apartment building.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen him before but then you can’t see his face in the picture and everyone keeps themselves to themselves here,’ one resident told this publication.
Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed around two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot cops descending on an apartment building on Baker Street – less than 100 metres from the Legal Aid offices, which were still being forensically examined
It came just hours after police release a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the suspected arson attacks
Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford on the NSW Central Coast about 2.20pm on Thursday following reports of several explosions.
The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.
A short time later, police were called to the Kensmen building on the same street following reports of a fire and of smoke coming out of the third floor.
It is believed the culprit was targeting the offices of Conditsis Lawyers.
The legal firm revealed in a statement on Thursday night that the alleged ‘arson attack occurred in the corridor leading to our office’.
‘We are relieved that all our staff are safe and extend our thoughts to our colleagues at the Gosford Legal Aid office, who were also impacted,’ the statement said.
‘We understand that the fire was contained at both offices once staff had been evacuated and that Legal Aid’s staff are also accounted for and unharmed.’
The statement added: ‘We commend the swift response of emergency services and hope the police apprehend the culprit responsible for this disturbing incident soon.’
NSW Chief Inspector Col Lott said a person of interest came up the building elevator before lighting an LPG bottle.
NSW Police on Thursday night released a CCTV footage of a man wanted for questioning over suspected arson attacks against two buildings (pictured)
Police officers were seen showing the image to residents of the apartment building (pictured)
Firefighters wearing gasmasks were pictured exiting the lawyers’ offices after leaving time for the carbon monoxide to ventilate
Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford (pictured) on the NSW Central Coast about 2.20pm on Thursday following reports of several explosions
He is alleged to have targeted the Conditsis Lawyers offices (pictured)
An office worker, 54, was treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation.
More than 40 firefighters attended, along with 11 fire trucks.
Fire and Rescue NSW said heavy smoke flooded multiple levels of the building but they were quickly able to contain the blaze.
Firefighters wearing gasmasks were pictured exiting the building after leaving time for the carbon monoxide to ventilate.
Conditsis Lawyers director Michael Mantaj was reportedly one of those evacuated from the Legal Aid building where the explosions were reported.
‘I didn’t see the guy but someone threw an incendiary device,’ he told the ABC.
‘All staff are accounted for. Fortunately no-one was injured.’
The Daily Telegraph reported Conditsis Lawyers were acting on behalf of Legal Aid in Gosford Local Court earlier on Thursday.
Police said this will be one line of inquiry during the investigation.
Legal Aid NSW put out a statement on Thursday night.
‘Legal Aid NSW Gosford office has been temporarily shut & all staff evacuated following an explosion that caused a small fire in reception,’ the tweet said.
‘Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire. None of our staff or clients have been injured. Enquiries are continuing and police are investigating.’
A postman told the Daily Telegraph he saw police running through nearby Kibble Park as if they were chasing someone.
The publication reported an older man was captured on CCTV apparently carrying two devices shortly before the Legal Aid fire.
Conditsis Lawyers were reportedly acting on behalf of Legal Aid in Gosford Local Court (pictured) earlier on Thursday
Firefighters and police brought stretchers to the Legal Aid building to assist several disabled people stranded on higher storeys of the building because the lifts were stopped.
Police remain on scene and have launched an investigation.
The incidents led to mass evacuations across the CBD with Gosford Court also in lockdown.
Donnison Street was closed in several sections near Dane Drive, Mann Street, and Baker Street, with motorists and the community urged to avoid the area.
Police wish to speak with a man seen in the area at the time of the incident.
He was described as aged in his 60s, of short stature, chubby build, wearing an all-black face covering, a black T-shirt, dark pants and shoes, and a dark cap.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
