A stranger has strapped a bomb to an 18-year-old girl in a house on Sydney's lower north shore, according to reports.
A suburban street in Mosman remains in partial lockdown as the police bomb squad try to rescue the teen and defuse the explosive device (reportedly a collar full of plastic explosives around her neck).
Officers were called to the house on Burrawong Avenue about 2.30pm AEST.
The teen, who hails from a well-known family, only recently turned 18 and is currently studying for her final-year school exams, Nine News reports.
Her father, a successful businessman, has alleged the incident is "foul play", according to Nine News reporter Damian Ryan.
It is thought someone unknown to the girl is responsible for putting the device on her neck, and speculation is that it may be linked to an extortion attempt.
"Bomb Squad officers are currently examining the device, while other emergency services are in support at the scene," a police statement said.
A police spokeswoman added roads were sealed off and a cordon in place on surrounding roads. Some residents within a 250m zone have been evacuated and a command post has been set-up on the corner of Burrawong Avenue and David Street.
There have not been any reports of explosions or injuries.
Reporter Damian Ryan said: "It is a perilous situation. It remains unclear if the device is an explosive, but it appears to be."
The NSW ambulance service was alerted to the incident at just before 3pm AEST and a spokeswoman confirmed paramedics were sent to the scene.
I wonder how this turns out...
