Dean Edwards, 60, of Direk, in court charged with possessing materials for explosives

A northern suburbs man who has been charged with possessing materials to make explosives has appeared in court.

A northern suburbs man who was allegedly found in possession of chemicals used to make explosives has been remanded in custody.

Dean Edwards, 60, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court and made no application for bail.

A police prosecutor said a large amount of chemicals and equipment were found at Mr Edwards’ Direk property in Desyllas Drive yesterday.

The discovery forced the evacuation of nearby residents as the bomb disposal officers were called in to inspect and remove the materials.

The court heard at least one explosive compound was found at the property.

“There are more materials of concern … as we build a forensic picture we expect there will be more explosive chemicals,” the prosecutor said.

“It is a complex case.”

Magistrate Justin Wickens adjourned the matter until December.

Mr Edwards was remanded in custody.

The house at 16 Desyllas Drive, Direk, where a man was charged for allegedly being in possession of bomb making chemicals. Picture Dean Martin

Neighbours surprised

Meanwhile, neighbours have spoken about the evacuation in their suburban street on Wednesday.

Nearby residents had no idea what to expect, but were forced to stay out of their homes for hours.

Shreya Azed, 24, was evacuated from her house at 10am on Wednesday and wasn’t allowed to return until 7pm that night.

“We were sort of rushed so we didn’t really pack heavy,” she said.

“We thought it was gonna take like half an hour tops, maybe an hour.”

Ms Azed could smell chemicals like bleach when she returned home about 10pm after she was able to stay with a friend.

“It was scary because the back of my throat was hurting,” she said.

“I could smell chemicals and it was there for like an hour or so and then I got used to it.

“Apparently they did some cleaning and they were destroying some chemicals and fumes and everything.”

Another neighbour, Heidi Tronnolone, 77, was told to be ready to evacuate.

“(Police told us) just in case we will knock on your door if you’re going to evacuate,” she said.

“But we did not. You couldn’t go near the area there,” Mrs Tronnolone said.

“Police told me not to go outside, just stay inside.”