Police are appealing for the public's help to find the man at the centre of a major police operation at Thornton yesterday afternoon.
They say the 27-year-old attended a home on Pepler Place shortly after 12:30pm, with what is believed to be a weapon.
Officers have been told the man threatened residents at the home and poured a flammable substance on the property, before fleeing into nearby bushland when police arrived a short time later.
Both parties in the dispute are known to each other and police believe the incident was targeted.
A widespread search for the man was unsuccessful and no arrests have been made.
Investigations to locate the man are continuing.
EARLIER:
A major police operation at East Maitland has now concluded.
Officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, along with the Police Dog Unit and PolAir, attended a home at Pepler Place, Thornton following reports of violent threats made against a man during a suburban dispute.
Police have confirmed nearby schools were locked down as a precaution while a widespread search was conducted.
The search was unsuccessful but investigations are continuing.
EARLIER:
A police operation is currently underway at East Maitland.
Residents have told 2NURFM News that Thornton Public School has been locked down.
Police have confirmed officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District along with the Police Dog Unit and PolAir are responding to an incident at East Maitland.
No further information is available at this stage.
