Bunbury and Australind residents could hold the key to explosive material mystery 

Australind and Bunbury residents could hold the key to solving the mystery of explosive material found in the Leschenault Estuary this week.

South West Superintendent Peter Hatch held a press conference at Australind Police station today to urge the community to help with the investigation after volatile chemicals were found submerged under a jetty on Tuesday. 

Superintendent Hatch said anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near the estuary and groyne or any unusual smells coming from backyards nearby should report to police.

“We are particularly appealing to anyone who may walk or fish regularly in the area – no information can be discounted,” he said.

“At the end of the day this has been discovered in our backyard, so I would urge the community members from Australind and Bunbury to come forward.

“Any small piece of information that people may think is insignificant could help us solve this mystery.”

Police will set up message boards along Old Coast Road which will advise the public that there is a one kilometre exclusion zone in place and they are urged to keep away from the scene. 

Police have set up an incident control vehicle at the Australind station where residents can attend to report information.

Alternatively, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Federal authorities have been drafted in to help investigate the discovery of a large haul of chemical explosive in the estuary, which has been confirmed to be the highly-volatile TATP - also known as "Mother of Satan".

TATP is the same the substance used in the London terrorist bombings in 2007.

State Crime Commander Scott Higgins says federal police are helping to try and trace the origin of the large haul.

"We are treating it as TATP," Commander Higgins told ABC radio.

"We had enough to cause real damage to people and property. The amount we had was very dangerous."

Acting commander Higgins said the investigation was being treated as a criminal matter by WA Police. 

“Police inquiries will include exploring the nature and origins of the substance and how it came to be in the water at the Leschenault Estuary in Australind,” he said.  

It is believed the estuary could be closed to the public for more than a week. 

State Crime Acting Commander Scott Higgins said WA Police were exploring all avenues, with a number of different possibilities including how the material got there, how it was manufactured, and for what purpose and by whom.

“TATP is an explosive material that has been used in the past and been used for a number of different sinister purposes,” Acting Commander Higgins said.

“We need to explore all possible options and not leap to conclusions.

“The public will continue to see some police activity today both in Perth and Australind.

That is perfectly normal and people should not be concerned at that.”

He said the public were asked to report any unusual or suspicious activity that they may have seen, particularly in the Australind area in recent days.

“That might be people making unusual purchases of chemicals or glassware, noticing unusual smells, or containers in yards,” he said.  

“This is particularly relevant for those in Australind, around the estuary or the jetty and groyne area.”