A Sydney man has been arrested and charged after police allegedly found the items needed to make an improvised explosive device in his backpack.
Officers were patrolling Parramatta on Wednesday morning when they stopped the 18-year-old Telopea man for a search on Church St.
Police allege they found bomb-making tools, jewellery, a mobile phone case, and earphones they say were stolen from a nearby shopping centre earlier in the day.
The man was then charged with possessing explosive powder with intent to injure, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, possessing ammunition without a licence, malicious damage, and two counts of larceny.
The man was refused bail and remains in custody while police continue their investigations.
He will appear in court next week.