A manhunt is underway for a driver who allegedly left a firearm and a suspected explosive device inside his car parked near a busy shopping centre.
Police rushed to Cranbourne, in Melbourne's southeast, at about 11.50am on Saturday after being called to conduct a welfare check on a man sitting in his van.
The vehicle was instead found abandoned on Cranbourne Drive, just down the road from the suburb's shopping centre as people flock in to buy Christmas presents.
'When police arrived the vehicle was unoccupied but a firearm and suspected improvised explosive device were located inside,' Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police were called to southeast Melbourne at about 11.50am on Saturday and found an abandoned vehicle with a suspected explosive and firearm inside (pictured, a Bomb Response officer at the scene)
'Neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution.
'The male sighted in the vehicle is yet to be located and investigations remain ongoing.'
The specialist police Bomb Response Unit is at the scene with photos showing a trained dog inspecting the suspected explosive.
Anyone with relevant information about the explosive or its maker is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are searching for a man who allegedly fled from the scene, leaving the device in his vehicle (pictured, police at the scene)
English (United States) ·