Westfield Miranda shopper is accused of planning a terrorist attack after allegedly setting off chemical explosions in toilets
- Westfield customer accused of planning terrorist attack
- Sebastian Newman allegedly threw bottles in toilet
A man who allegedly detonated chemical explosives in Westfield has been accused of planning a terrorist attack.
Sebastian Newman, 21, is alleged to have thrown bottles filled with chemicals into the toilets at Westfield Miranda, in Sydney’s south, at 2pm last Thursday.
An explosion was heard in the bathroom before police arrived and Newman was arrested.
He was accused of leaving a substance to create a false belief of danger, possessing a chemical explosive and finding a knife in public.
New South Wales police filed additional charges against Newman in Sutherland District Court on Thursday, alleging he collected or created documents related to terrorism.
Court documents show Newman prepared the bottles of bleach and alcohol and wrote a manifesto before posting it online.
A New South Wales Police spokesman said officers believed the man had “mixed and unclear ideological beliefs”.
He remains in custody and is due to appear in Downing Centre District Court on September 25.
A man who allegedly detonated chemical explosives in Westfield has been accused of planning a terrorist attack
One of the bottles exploded and police were immediately called to the scene and Newman was arrested.
Following the additional charges, police reiterated an appeal for anyone with information about “extremist activity or potential threats to the community” to come forward, “no matter how small or insignificant you may consider the information.”
“The National Security Line is 1800 123 400,” they said.