Man charged over explosives, instructions found at house in Adelaide’s northern suburbs

Residents were surprised to be evacuated from their homes by police – but only expected it to be for a short time. The reality was far worse, as police swooped on a house to dispose of explosive material.

Bomb disposal officers were called to a house at Direk, in Adelaide’s north, after detectives found chemicals used to make explosives. Picture: 7NEWS

Residents were evacuated when chemicals used to make explosives were found in a house in Adelaide’s north on Wednesday.

Nearby residents in Desyllas Drive, Direk, 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.”

Police vehicles during the operation at Direk, which saw residents evacuated. Picture: 7NEWS

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.”

A 60-year-old man was arrested during a police operation which saw the property sealed off while bomb disposal officers removed the substances.

He has been charged with possessing instructions and taking steps to manufacture explosives.

A bomb disposal officer outside the house at Direk where chemicals used to make explosives were found. Picture: 7NEWS

The man was arrested by Serious and Organised Crime detectives, who raided the house at 9am as part of an ongoing investigation.

During the search, the detectives found instructions, precursor chemicals and equipment capable of being used for making explosives.

STAR Bomb Response Unit members seized the explosive substances and removed them for disposal.

The arrested man was refused bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Anyone with information to asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au