Manhunt underway following NSW Central Coast courthouse explosion

Police and emergency services flocked to Gosford courthouse after a ‘short, chubby’ man allegedly set off a series of explosions and set fire to an office.

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

NSW Police are scouring the Central Coast for the alleged perpetrator of a series of explosions targeting offices surrounding the Gosford courthouse.

The string of explosions caused no injuries, police said, though it caused the evacuation of an office building on Donnison Street and a 54-year-old office worker was treated for smoke inhalation, with emergency services still at the scene.

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

It was reported at around 2.20pm.

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

“He 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.”

First allegedly targeting the Legal Aid centre, the suspect is said to have entered a second office space, in the same Gosford courthouse building, and set a fire before fleeing the scene.

Conditsis Lawyers partner Michal Mantaj told The Daily Telegraph he had seen an “incendiary device” lobbed into his office in the Kensmen building.

“We ran for our lives,” he said.

Fire and Rescue NSW are reportedly clearing the building of smoke, with 40 firefighters on scene and the multiple blazes extinguished.

Public Order Riot Squad officers attended the scene.

The alleged arson prompted a mass evacuation through the idyllic waterfront city’s centre.

“Donnison Street remains closed in several sections near Dane Drive, Mann Street, and Baker Street, with motorists and the community urged to avoid the area,” police said.

A spokesperson for Legal Aid said the blast had only caused a “small fire”.

“Legal Aid NSW’s Gosford office has been temporarily shut and all staff have been evacuated following an explosion that caused a small fire in the reception area,” a spokesperson said.

“No members of our staff or clients have been injured. Inquiries are continuing about this incident and police are investigating.”