MELBOURNE — 1986 · Murder
The Russell Street Bombing
Around lunchtime on 27 March 1986 a bomb planted in a stolen car parked outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters in Melbourne exploded. The bombers had timed the blast for the lunch break, when the street would be crowded with police and court staff. The explosion caused extensive damage to the police building and surrounding structures. Constable Angela Taylor, 21, was critically injured and died 24 days later, becoming the first Australian policewoman killed in the line of duty; 22 others were injured. The explosives were found to have been stolen earlier from a mine. After a lengthy investigation two men were convicted of murder and related offences and given heavy prison sentences; two other defendants were acquitted of the bombing charges. The attack was described as an act of terror driven by hatred of police.
- Date
- 1986
- Place
- Russell Street, Victoria, Australia, Melbourne, AU
- Category
- Murder
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- -37.8105, 144.9677 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 27 March 1986A car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters.
- 20 April 1986Critically injured Constable Angela Taylor died.
- 1986Four people were charged after the investigation.
- 1988After a six-month trial two defendants were convicted of murder; two were acquitted of the bombing charges.
Sources
- ABC News — Scars still felt 30 years after Russell Street bombing abc.net.au ↗
- The Age — The day terror came to Melbourne theage.com.au ↗
- Wikipedia — Russell Street bombing en.wikipedia.org ↗
- ABC News (Australia)
- The Age
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.