Six police officers injured in explosion during siege in Sydney's south
A man and six police officers are in hospital following an explosion at a siege in Botany in Sydney's south during a police operation.
Shortly after 11.15am, police were called to a home on Stephen Road, following reports of a man barricaded in a garage.
Prompted by concerns for the man’s welfare after a four hour stand-off, police forced entry into the garage just before 3pm.
The man and four police officers were all injured when a fire erupted.
Police had allegedly tried to negotiate with the 55-year-old for a lengthy period, but neighbours were forced to evacuate their homes as the man reportedly doused himself in petrol and set himself alight.
One officer is believed to have suffered severe facial burns, while another has back burns.
Both have been transported to St George Hospital.
The third, with unknown burns, has been transported to Prince of Wales hospital.
Another two officers later attended St George Hospital with smoke inhalation.
A sixth officer was treated at the scene.
The man is also in hospital, having reportedly self-harmed.
The entire street was taped off after the incident.
Investigations into the incident are now underway, carried out by officers attached to Botany Bay Local Area Command.
A 'blackened blanket' is one of several items that's been recovered so far.
