One year ago in the cool dark of morning 58-year-old John Burrows walked down the lane behind Villiers Street in Portland to his mother’s garage.
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A bomb part from the explosion that killed Mr Burrows as he approached the garage was the focus of Lithgow police’s Inspector Chris Sammuts’ address at the vigil and press conference held to mark the anniversary.
Mr Sammut said polce believe Mr Burrows was the victim of a targeted attack that used an improvised explosive device.
Strike Force Avail was established in July 2015 and is comprised of detectives from Chifley Local Area Command – with the assistance of State Crime Commands Homicide Squad – to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We do know at the time that device was detonated, components of this device did travel up to 200 metres from this location.”
Most of the components of the device had beeen recovered but the top was still misssing, Mr Sammut said.
“It would be described a solid plate disc, steel construction, probably 15 centimetres in diameter.
“We believe that it may have been thrown from this location into nearby bushland.”
Mr Burrows’ family members spoke at the vigil and made a plea for people to come forward with information.
“He was a funny, well loved bloke, brother Gary Burrows said.
“Somebody knows something.
“It was a callous act. It was a bomb.”
Mr Burrows said his brother’s death had shocked the community.
“There was not a person who did not know him.”
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
