Family link to Sri Lanka bomber set off North Melbourne terror raid

A Melbourne person targeted in a dramatic counter-terrorism raid in North Melbourne last week is related to one of the bombers responsible for the Easter Sunday explosions in Sri Lanka.

A Melbourne person targeted in a counter-terrorism operation last week is related to one of the Sri Lankan ­bombers.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the family connection sparked the dramatic operation, in which heavily-armed police stormed a North Melbourne property on Friday.

Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police remained tight-lipped about the raid but said there was “no threat to the community”.

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Two people, including one guarded by an officer in ­military-style camouflage, were detained. They were released without charge on ­Saturday.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 250 people.

The deadly attacks, which also wounded more than 500 people, took place at three churches and four hotels.

The bombings claimed the life of Melbourne mum Manik Suriyaaratchi and her 10-year-old daughter Alexandria.

A man dressed in camouflage stands over a detainee, who was later released. Picture: Supplied

Police swarmed the apartment block during the operation. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

The Sri Lankan government said nine homegrown, well-­educated suicide bombers carried out the attacks, including one who had previously studied in Melbourne.

It is not clear to which bomber the Melbourne person was related.

A North Melbourne block of flats that AFP officers searched on Friday in connection with the earlier operation remained quiet yesterday.

Almost all of the venetian blinds at the first-floor Bedford St flat were closed.

A torn deckchair lay alone on the unit’s small balcony.

Residents came and went from the four-storey building but there was no sign of the pair arrested by the AFP on Friday.

A man being taken away near St Mary's Anglican Church in North Melbourne. Picture: 7 News

A man named Alvin was staying in the flat opposite the raided unit.

“We were quite shocked,” the man told the Herald Sun.

“We seldom see anyone come out from that apartment.”

He believed the pair had not returned since police raided it late last week.

Another woman who lived in the block said it was a shock to come home to the usually quiet building on Friday as swarms of agents raided it.