Conclusion of Hughes incident

ACT Policing has completed the search of a Hughes home for commercial explosives and military ordnance.

The search was completed about 2.30pm today (June 28) and all suspicious items have been removed from the area.

The items included a quantity of gelignite and a World War II era hand-grenade.

No evacuations of Hughes residents were required today.

Superintendent Matt Varley praised the Hughes residents saying, “We are grateful to all the residents of Hughes who were affected by this incident, for their patience and cooperation. This was a difficult situation which had to be dealt with in a slow and safe manner.

“This incident highlights the seriousness of collecting dangerous ‘souvenirs’ which put police and other members of the public at risk. The disposal of these items causes significant disruption to the community.

“If people are in possession of explosives in any form, they should contact police to discuss their safe disposal.

“I highly commend the officers involved in this operation for their hard work under trying circumstances,” Superintendent Varley said.

The explosives will now be disposed of at an undisclosed location by the AFP Bomb Response Team.