Mystery blast victim a shooting champ

Sunday Telegraph, Page: 11. Sunday, 25 May, 2008

A prominent Sydney scientist killed in a mysterious explosion at his semi-rural property was an avid gun collector and champion shooter.
Dr Lionel Lowe, 67, was sitting on a ride-on mower at the rear of his Mitchell Rd, Dural property at the time of the blast at 4.30pm last Monday.
Neighbours have told how their homes “shook” from the force of the explosion. “There was one loud explosion and the house shook,” one neighbour, who asked not to be identified, said.
“I initially thought they might have been blowing up (tree) stumps. We thought it sounded like a detonator.” Police have thrown a veil of secrecy over the case, refusing to say what caused the blast.
Police from Kuring-gai Local Area Command, the Forensic Services Group, the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Group and detectives from State Crime Command are all investigating the circumstances leading up to the blast.
Police yesterday refused to confirm or deny reports of liquid explosives being found on the property.
Dr Lowe, who preferred to go by his middle name of Barry, was well-known for his large collection of guns, explosive material and detonators.
He was also a champion shooter who had won many trophies and regularly practised at the nearby Hornsby Rifle Range with the NSW Sporting Shooters Association (SSAA).
SSAA spokesman Michael Gill yesterday confirmed that Dr Lowe was a well-known member of the group.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Dr Lowe’s son Jonathan shared his father’s love of firearms and has this week been interviewed by police.