Bellingen police, HAZMAT operation on Church Street

More details have emerged about what sparked a major police and HAZMAT operation on a busy Mid-North Coast suburban street, including the discovery of a “suspicious” fluid.

More details have emerged about what sparked a major police and HAZMAT operation on a busy street in Bellingen on Thursday including the discovery of a suspicious fluid.

Plain-clothes officers were seen outside an older-style house in Bellingen along Church St, in a busy area between the tennis courts and the hospital, since about 10am on Thursday.

By mid-afternoon HAZMAT and other NSW Fire and Rescue vehicles were on the scene, with officers seen removing bags from the rundown house.

A police and NSW Fire and Rescue operation under way in Bellingen on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Fire and Rescue NSW hazardous material van at Bellingen on Thursday. Picture: Janine Watson

Emergency services along Church St at Bellingen on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Janine Watson

About 5pm a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the operation was under way. 

“More information will be available at the conclusion of the operation, which is expected to continue for several hours,” the spokesperson said at the time.

“There is no current threat to the community; however, members of the public are urged to avoid the area.”

On Friday a NSW Police spokesperson revealed the operation was sparked after the execution of a search warrant at the house about 9.50am by officers from the Coffs Harbour Region Enforcement Squad.

“As a result of the search, officers located and seized several items of interest,” the spokesperson said.

“Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters including HAZMAT specialists also attended the property in relation to an unknown liquid.

“Samples of the liquid have been taken and will undergo examination.”

Inquiries are continuing.