A man suspected of firebombing a government building and a nearby law office remains at large, as police carried out a dramatic raid on a building just a stone’s throw from their first target overnight.
Police are carrying out a major manhunt after a legal aid building and a solicitor’s offices were attacked in an arson attack in Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast on Tuesday afternoon.
Incredibly, no one was seriously injured in the incident, which prompted a mass evacuation and shut down the city’s financial district.
Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed about two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot police descending on an apartment building on Baker Street, less than 100 meters 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 connection with the alleged arson attacks.
The grainy image shows a white-haired man wearing a surgical mask, a dull green cap, a T-shirt and jeans with a bag at 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 you can’t see his face in the photo and everyone here keeps to themselves,” one resident told this publication.
Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed about two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot police descending on an apartment building on Baker Street, less than 100 meters 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 connection with the alleged arson attacks.
Pictured: A forensics officer photographs and packages evidence outside the Legal Aid building on Thursday evening.
Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford, on the New South Wales 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 after reports of a fire and smoke coming from the third floor.
It is believed that the culprit targeted the offices of Conditsis Abogados.
The law firm revealed in a statement Thursday night that the “arson attack occurred in the hallway leading to our office.”
“We are relieved that all our staff are safe and extend our thoughts to our colleagues at Gosford Legal Aid who have also been affected,” the statement said.
“It is our understanding that the fire was contained to both offices once staff were evacuated and that Legal Aid staff are also accounted for and unharmed.”
The statement added: “We commend the quick response of the emergency services and hope that the police will soon arrest the culprit behind this disturbing incident.”
NSW Chief Inspector Colonel Lott said a person of interest took the building’s lift before lighting an LPG bottle.
NSW Police on Thursday night released CCTV footage of a man wanted for questioning over alleged arson attacks on two buildings (pictured).
Police officers were seen showing the image to residents of the apartment building (pictured).
Firefighters wearing gas masks were photographed leaving the lawyers’ offices after allowing time for the carbon monoxide to vent.
Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford (pictured) on the New South Wales Central Coast, about 2.20pm on Thursday, following reports of several explosions.
The offices of Conditsis Abogados (in the photo) were attacked
A 54-year-old office worker 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 filled several levels of the building, but they were able to quickly contain the fire.
Firefighters wearing gas masks were photographed leaving the building after allowing time for the carbon monoxide to vent.
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 ABC.
‘All personnel are accounted for. Fortunately, no one was injured.”
The Daily Telegraph reported that Conditsis Lawyers was acting on behalf of Legal Aid at Gosford Local Court on Thursday.
Police said this will be a line of inquiry during the investigation.
Legal Aid NSW issued a statement on Thursday evening.
“Legal Aid NSW Gosford office has been temporarily closed and all staff evacuated following an explosion which caused a small fire in reception,” the tweet said.
‘Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire. None of our staff or customers have been injured. “Investigations 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 that an elderly 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 at Gosford Local Court (pictured) earlier on Thursday.
Firefighters and police brought stretchers to the Legal Aid building to help several disabled people who were stranded on the upper floors of the building because the elevators were stopped.
Police remain at the scene and have launched an investigation.
The incidents prompted mass evacuations across the CBD and Gosford Court was also closed.
Donnison Street was closed in several sections near Dane Drive, Mann Street and Baker Street, and motorists and the community were urged to avoid the area.
Police would like to speak to a man seen in the area at the time of the incident.
He was described as being in his 60s, of short stature, with a plump build, wearing an all-black face covering, a black T-shirt, dark pants and shoes, and a dark cap.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.