Gosford CBD: Mass evacuations after several explosions and fire in Donnison St

Police have released a CCTV image of a man as they probe explosions and a fire at the Legal Aid office and a law firm in Gosford CBD, with a witness saying one fire was caused by an incendiary device.

Emergency services remain on scene at Donnison St in Gosford with reports of two fires. Picture: Richard Noone

Police have released a CCTV image of a man as they probe explosions and a fire at the Legal Aid office and a law firm in Gosford CBD, with a witness saying one fire was caused by an incendiary device.

NSW Police have confirmed they are investigating “several explosions and a fire” in Donnison St, Gosford on Thursday afternoon.

This masthead understands the law firm Conditsis Lawyers were acting on behalf of Legal Aid in Gosford Local Court during the day, which will be one line of inquiry during the investigation.

Shortly before 8pm, police released an image of a “chubby” man described as being aged in his 60s, of short stature, wearing an all-black face covering, a black t-shirt, dark pants and shoes, and a dark cap.

As inquiries continue, police wish to speak with a man seen in the area at the time of the incident,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

A CCTV image of a man police wish to speak with. Picture: NSW Police

Conditsis Lawyers partner Michal Mantaj said he was working at his office inside the Kensmen building when someone threw an incendiary device into their office.

“We ran for our lives,” he said.

Dozens of police officers, detectives and NSW Fire and Rescue crews remain on scene, with Donnison St closed between Mann St and Henry Parry Drive.

Brisbane Water Chief Inspector Col Lott said emergency services were called about 2.20pm to 92-100 Donnison St following reports of an explosion.

Public Order Riot Squad arrives at Gosford after two fires.

The Legal Aid building in Gosford was evacuated after an explosion.

“Police, fire and ambulance responded and the building was evacuated,” he said.

“A fire had been located in the foyer of the Legal Aid office. Luckily no one was in the foyer at the time and as soon as they saw the flames they evacuated out the back door

“While we were responding to this one we got a call about a fire at the Kensmen building.”

Mass evacuations have been carried out as the CBD remains in lockdown. Picture: Richard Noone

He said police were still searching for that person, who is described as being aged in his 60s, of short stature, chubby build, wearing an all-black face covering, a black T-shirt, dark pants and shoes, and a dark cap.

A short time after the second explosion, police arrested a man known to them who had a grievance with Gosford Courthouse. They took him to the Gosford Police Station however checks confirmed he was not nearby at the time of the explosions.

There were mass evacuations across the CBD and lockdowns at various locations including Gosford Courthouse.

A 54-year-old was treated for smoke inhalation however no other injuries have been reported.

The CBD is in lockdown as the police operation continues.

The fire was at Conditsis Lawyers in Gosford.

A witness said people in the Legal Aid building heard “a bang” but there was construction work next door at the Aland multistorey development so many people dismissed it.

Firefighters and police were bringing stretchers down to the Legal Aid building to assist a couple of disabled people stuck on higher levels because the lifts were stopped.

Meanwhile firefighters are struggling to clear copious amounts of smoke trapped on levels 3 and 5 of the Kensmen building.

Firefighters said the smoke was trapped because various office doors were locked as people evacuated the building.

The fire was on level three but smoke made its way up fire stairs or an elevator shaft into level five and bypassing level four, which firefighters said was relatively clear of smoke.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.