A man who allegedly set off chemical explosives at Westfield has been accused of planning a terrorist attack.
Sebastian Newman, 21, allegedly threw bottles filled with chemicals into the toilets at Westfield Miranda, in Sydney‘s south, at 2pm last Thursday.
An explosion was heard from within the bathroom before police were called to the scene with officers arresting Newman.
He was charged with leaving a substance to create a false belief of danger, possessing a chemical explosive device, and possessing a knife in a public place.
NSW Police laid additional charges against Newman at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday alleging he collected or made documents connected to terrorism.
Court documents allege Newman prepared the bottles of chlorine and alcohol and wrote a manifesto before posting it online.
A NSW Police spokesman said officers will allege the man had ‘mixed and unclear ideological beliefs’.
He remains on remand and is next set to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on September 25.
A man who allegedly set off chemical explosives at Westfield has been accused of planning a terrorist attack
One of the bottles exploded with police immediately called to the scene and arresting Newman
Following the extra charges, police reiterated calls for people with information about ‘extremist activity or possible threats to the community’ to come forward ‘no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be’.
‘The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400,’ they said.
