THE force of the explosion that rocked a peaceful Skye Sunday morning late last month would almost certainly have injured the offenders, Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives say.
Security footage of the blast – believed to be of a malfunctioning aerial explosive device – shows the pre-dawn sky lit up as it goes off, with residents surrounding the reserve on Sanoma Drive rudely wakened from the slumber.
Police are appealing for public assistance in tracking down the culprits – if only to clear them of anything sinister in their motives.
Emergency services were called to a reserve bordered by Sanoma Drive, Danube Close and Santa Clara Mews after witnesses heard a “sonic boom” just before 6am, Saturday 29 August.
The noise was so loud that one resident reportedly thought a car had crashed into his garage.
Police arson and forensic chemists combed the area for clues after the homemade device was detonated, finding PVC debris and gunpowder residue scattered over a large area.
“It is believed anyone near the explosion may have suffered injuries from being peppered with PVC fragments, as well as flash burns and, possibly, hearing damage,” Detective Senior Constable Paul Roberts said.
“The injuries, perhaps even perforated eardrums, could have resulted as the explosion happened only three or four seconds after the device was detonated.”
The getaway vehicle – believed to be a small SUV, such as a Toyota Rav 4, Jeep Cherokee, or Ford Territory – may also have received panel damage or smashed windows on the driver’s side.
The vehicle was seen doing a wrong turn into Rhone Gv, before driving north along Sonoma Dr, and stopping at the park bounded by Danube Cl and Santa Clara Mews.
“It’s also odd that the offenders decided to ignite the device in a spot so close to houses and where they may have injured people – even at that early hour,” Detective Roberts said.
“It was stupid to ignite it so close to a tree, instead of further out into the open, and also so close to their car as it went off almost straight away.
“This leaves us to ask whether it was a prank, or whether there were more sinister motives. We believe a terrorist-motive is highly unlikely, and that it may only be young people out for a lark.
“That’s why we ask that, if perhaps a friend, or a mother, father, brother or sister, can help identify those responsible, we will be able to eliminate any other motives.”
Police have released CCTV footage of the explosion and the vehicle seen nearby around the same time.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
