Australia bomb hoax 'was extortion attempt'

BBC ^ | 4 August 2011 | N/A

[Freeport]

Australian police say an elaborate hoax in which a fake bomb was attached to a teenager was an attempt at extortion.

Madeleine Pulver, 18, was at home in Sydney when an intruder apparently entered and placed a suspected explosive device round her neck.

Police took 10 hours to remove the device, evacuating nearby streets in the wealthy suburb of Mosman.

They said the intruder left behind a note attached to the device that confirmed the motive was extortion.

The offender had had previous contact with Ms Pulver and was wearing some sort of disguise, they said.

No prime suspect

New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch told journalists the device turned out to be "a very, very elaborate hoax".

[Freeport]

Hew! Glad she's alright. I hope they garrote the SOB when they find him...

[A. Morgan]

With photos:

http://news.sky.com/home/article/16043437

[y6162]

I don’t think the blackmailers thought this through very well.

I think holding the captive hostage works better.

[momtothree]

I am very impressed with the actions of Constable Karen. She stayed with the victim and calmed her down while being unprotected herself. IMHO, the fact that she stayed and showed compassion to that young girl is wonderful.

[yldstrk]

Yeah, there is more to this.........

What was the evidence of breakin?

Balaclava?

Wouldn’t they have an alarm system in their house?

Something not adding up here.........

What is Dad’s true financial picture

[Pollster1]

The cute victim (Madeleine Pulver).

The brave constable (Karen Lowden).

I hope they have a suspect and that the criminal will be treated appropriately by the father, the police, or fellow prisoners.

[GatorGirl]

Apparently the guy was disguised as a pizza delivery man.