On Wednesday (January 29) morning, Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins interrupted the show’s broadcast to share “breaking” news.
She revealed that Australian authorities had thwarted a potential anti-Semitic attack involving explosives in Sydney.
“Some breaking news that’s just come in a short time ago. Australian police have said they have foiled a planned anti-Semitic attack involving explosives in New South Wales. We’re just getting the details of this one,” she stated.
Charlotte then elaborated: “New South Wales police are reportedly investigating the discovery of large amounts of explosives and a note listing Jewish targets found inside a caravan at a property in Sydney’s North West. Police say they’re investigating whether a local synagogue might have been a target.”
Furthermore, she added: “They say they’ve got no information of further explosives in the community, and they believe they’ve contained the current threat, but obviously we’ll monitor that situation and bring you any updates as we get them.”
In response to a reported threat, counter-terrorism police recovered a caravan from a property in Dural, on the outskirts of Sydney.
On Wednesday, New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson confirmed that individuals on the “periphery” of the incident had been arrested.
Hudson also mentioned that the incident may be connected to an existing group of people who have already been charged for their alleged involvement in recent anti-Semitic incidents, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The commissioner elaborated by stating that the explosives uncovered didn’t seem to be linked to recent spates of graffiti and arson assaults in Sydney.
“This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage,” he remarked further.
Additionally, New South Wales premier Chris Minns briefed journalists about the ongoing investigation, mentioning that over 100 counter-terrorism officers were on the case.
He emphasized: “There will be absolutely no tolerance under circumstances for these acts of criminal violence in our community.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am