A sound-and-flash grenade belonging to Queensland Police's tactical squad is missing in a populous north Queensland suburb almost a week after they responded to a siege.
Police are seeking public help to find the flashbang, but warn the weapon could cause injury if not handled correctly.
The device couldn't be accounted for in a routine weapons audit conducted after a standoff in the Townsville suburb of Kirwan on Sunday night.
"Police have carried out extensive searches [Thursday] afternoon, which [continued] throughout the night, however, have been unable to locate the device," a Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson said.
The QPS Ethical Standards Command has already been reviewing the siege response after a gunman, who shot at police, was found dead in his home.
Police said the 50-year-old man shot at surrounding homes, a car and police vehicles during the 10-hour standoff.
No one else was injured during the security operation.
The missing distraction device is believed to be in the Elphinstone Drive area.
Police warn the public not to tamper with the device and to call them immediately if it is found.
"The device is not a lethal device, but has the capacity to injure a person in close proximity if handled incorrectly," a spokesperson said.
