By ALESHA CAPONE
A SUSPECTED pipe bomb discovered in Sydenham was safely detonated by police on 14 July.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman last week said Arson and Explosives Squad detectives are continuing their investigation into the “suspected pipe bomb” located on Sydenham Rd about 12.20pm on the Sunday.
“The area was cordoned off while the Bomb Response Unit conducted safety checks and rendered the device inert,” the spokeswoman said.
No-one was injured during the incident.
Star understands a passer-by reported the suspected bomb to authorities.
Nearby railway tracks were shut down, with buses replacing trains for several hours.
The Bomb Squad and arson specialists attended the crime scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Maher, from the Arson and Explosives Squad, said police were concerned about people creating home-made bombs, putting themselves and others at risk.
“I am concerned people are placing themselves and other members of the public at risk of serious injury,” he said.
“I urge anyone with information about this incident, or who have information about people making home-made devices, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Worried Sydenham and Delahey residents expressed their concerns about the suspected pipe bomb on social media websites.
One resident commented on Facebook that it was “strange” how the device stood out among all the hard-waste rubbish waiting to be collected from the roadside.
Another resident said they were worried about what could have happened if a child had come into contact with the suspected bomb.
“That is awful, it’s sickening what some people will do with no consideration for innocent lives,” a fellow resident posted online.
