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AAP
AAP
National
Tara Cosoleto and William Ton

Accused CBD bomb hoaxer allegedly made explosive device

Police locked down parts of the Melbourne CBD and searched a car after an alleged bomb hoax. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

A man charged over a fake bomb threat in the Melbourne city centre allegedly made an improvised explosive device more than six weeks ago. 

Charge sheets released to AAP allege Steven Mauldon, 33, "unlawfully and maliciously" made the bomb at a Geelong property on May 5. 

Mauldon was taken into custody just after midday on Wednesday after parts of the busy precinct were placed into lockdown.

Police seizing a gun
A gun and drugs were allegedly found in a car on Collins Street, with a 33-year-old man arrested. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

People were told to stay inside buildings as bomb squad officers searched Mauldon's car and allegedly found a gun and drugs.

The area was cleared by police and reopened.

Police said the matter was not terror-related and there was no immediate threat to community safety.

Detectives and officers from the Bomb Response unit raided a North Shore home in Geelong on Wednesday afternoon, seizing items including suspected explosive devices. 

Police searching the car
Police said the matter was not terror-related and there was no immediate threat to the community. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Mauldon was charged with 21 offences, including unlawfully and maliciously making an improvised explosive device with the intent to endanger life or cause serious injury.

He is also accused of stealing a car, possessing a firearm, and trafficking methylamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamines and heroin. 

Mauldon fronted the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday morning where he made no application for bail.

His lawyer requested he see a custody nurse as he was injured during his arrest and was walking with a limp. 

Mauldon is due to return to court on July 4.

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