Detectives were seen carrying evidence bags from the Harold Street property about 2.30pm before leaving the scene.

It’s understood the operation was triggered after the man poured a chemical substance into a glass jar before it exploded in the house on Thursday, shocking nearby residents who heard a loud bang.

The 51-year-old, who has been living in the house, received serious injuries and was conveyed to Ballarat Base Hospital.

Detectives and an arson chemist attended the property on Friday afternoon to remove any other potentially dangerous chemicals.

It remains unclear if the explosion was linked to the production of drugs.

Witness Katie Wills said she saw the house being raided opposite a strip of shops. 

“I saw two uniformed police and five undercover officers,” she said.

“They were carrying paper bags from the property, but I didn’t see anyone get arrested.”