The NSW bomb squad has surrounded a house in an exclusive Sydney street amid reports that a woman there has an explosive device strapped around her neck. Nearby streets have also been evacuated while bomb squad officers assess the situation in Burrawong Avenue at Mosman on Sydney's north shore. Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch refused to be drawn on whether the device was attached to the woman, saying it was "in the near vicinity". He says bomb technicians and police negotiators are with her inside the house. An earlier police statement said the incident was not being treated as self-harm, while Sydney media outlets have reported it may be related to an extortion attempt. Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch says police are treating the device as "live". "Our initial responders found a young woman alone in the house with a suspicious package," he said. "The young lady at this particular point in time is fine and doing her best to assist police. "We are treating the device as live until we know otherwise. "I'm not confirming anything at this particular point in time, we just need to play our cards pretty close to our chest." The girl, who turned 18 just weeks ago, belongs to one of Sydney's wealthiest families, the Daily Telegraph reported. The Telegraph is also reporting a ransom note is attached to the girl's neck. Authorities were called to the house about 2:30pm (AEST) and a command post has been set up in the street, where multi-million-dollar properties include one belonging to horse trainer Gai Waterhouse. Police are calling for witnesses and anyone who might have information about the situation to call CrimeStoppers on 1300 333 000.
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