Pursuit Ends With Arrest Of A Man At Tenambit

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Thursday 29 February, 2024) following the alleged theft of a car and police pursuit at Maitland.

Officers attempted to stop a stolen Toyota Hilux on Laurie Drive at Raworth.

As they approached the vehicle, the driver sped off and a pursuit was initiated.

It came to an end when the vehicle crashed into a fence on Korbel Street and the driver fled on foot.

The 22-year-old was arrested in O'Hearn Street at Tenambit a short time later with the help of PolAir and a police dog.

He's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with 20 offences. 

UPDATE! Two People Unaccounted For As Crews Battle House Fire At Teralba

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Fire Rescue Investigation Unit is waiting for the arrival of a dog unit to assist in the investigation of a townhouse fire at Teralba early Thursday.

Around 60 firefighters took close to close to 2 hours to extinguish a ferocious fire in one of three 2 storey townhouses on Railway Street, which broke out just after 4.00am.

Two crews are still at the scene attending to hot spots.

There are concerns for two people who have not been accounted for.

Internal structural collapse and spot fires has prevented crews from entering the building.   
 

EARLIER:

Two people are unaccounted for as crews battle a fierce house fire at Teralba.

Newcastle Fire Command say 60 firefighters from surrouding stations including a ladder platform from Newcastle, were called to Railway Street just after 4.00am on Thursday to find a timber townhouse engulfed in flames.

It's understood two people are unaccounted for.

Crews are desperately trying to suppress the flames and have called for additional fire crews to assist in the firefighting effort. 

UPDATE! Worker Injured During Violent Armed Robbery At Cooks Hill Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been called to reports of an armed robbery at a Cooks Hill hotel.

Officers were called to the Commonwealth Hotel on the corner of Union and Bull Streets at about 4.45am on Wednesday.

Police have been told two men armed with a machete and a baseball bat forced entry to the hotel and confronted two employees.

One of the workers was bashed while attempting to flee and was found with serious injuries on King Street Street - officers performed CPR and he's been taken to the John Hunter Hospital. The other worker wasn't injured.

The armed men are described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in their 20's and wearing masks - they fled the hotel with cash.

King Street is partially closed at the intersection of Union Street and there are local diversions in place.

Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Council's decision could cost Lake Macquarie residents thousands

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A recent decision by Lake Macquarie council to scrap their long-standing contract with waste management service Remondis has left residents to fend for themselves. 

Nearly 200 households have been given four months to find alternative sewer pumping options. 

With private suppliers quoting up to $12,000 per household, many families have had to make the decision between mortgage payments and waste disposal. 

Lake Macquarie councilor Jason Pauling says they agree the situation has put severe strain on residents. 

"It's been quite horrendous. Council's communication has created confusion."

He says they are working toward a solution. 

"We are a council that likes to engage with residents, hear their views and do what we can to assist. 

I think we are heading back on track with this matter, I don't think it's over and I don't think we'll satisfy everyone just yet, but we have a few months to get it right."

 

Teens Arrested Over Alleged Pursuit Of Stolen Cars In Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

A group of teenagers aged between 13 and 16 who allegedly led police on a wild pursuit through Lake Macquarie early Monday have been arrested.

Police began following a Hyundai Sante Fe and a BMW X1, both believed to be stolen, on Minmi Road at Cameron Park around 2.30am on Monday when the drivers fail to stop.

The Hyundai was dumped on Maim Road at Edgeworth and the occupants got into the BMW which then allegedly rammed a police car before fleeing towards Cardiff.

No-one was injured and the chase was called off.

Then at about 8.20am, the BMW was spotted on the Golden Highway at Mount Thorley and another pursuit was initiated.

Road spikes were deployed and the car stopped at Sandy Hollow where 7 teenagers were arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

Breaking! Four-vehicle collision at Wallsend

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Four vehicles were involved in a crash on a busy Wallsend road on Saturday morning.

Just after 9am, the vehicles, heading westbound, collided on Newcastle Road at Douglas Street.

Emergency services were called to the scene and remained at the site of the crash as at 10am. 

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said paramedics were treating three patients on scene - a woman and a man, both in their 40s, and an infant. The spokesperson said there were no current reports of serious injuries.

 

Police Seek Woman Over Stealing From XPT At Broadmeadow

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to identify a woman in connection with an alleged stealing incident on a northbound XPT train service at Broadmeadow Station.

Around 5.10pm on Christmas afternoon, luggage was stolen from the train while it was stopped at the station.

Police have released a CCTV photo of a woman who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

She's described as being  of Caucasian appearance with dark long hair, fair complexion with a medium build and tattoos on her legs.

BREAKING! Crews Battling House Fire At Mount Hutton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have been called to a house fire at Mount Hutton in the early hours of Thursday morning

Firefighters from Tingira Heights, Cardiff, Charlestown, Belmont, Lambton were called to the two storey brick and tile home in Warners Bay Road at 4.19am on Thursday to find the home well alight.

Newcastle Fire Command says the house appears to be derelict and abandoned.

It's taken about an hour to bring the blaze under control, with firefighting operations wrapping up at 6.00am.

Crews had to contend with the collapse of the roof and partial collapse of a wall. 

Police and Fire Investigators will look into the cause of the fire.

BREAKING! Body Found In Charity Bin In Southern Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

In Breaking news,

A man's body has been found stuffed in a clothing bin at a shopping centre in southern Lake Macquarie.

Police say a passer-by made the grim discovery at about 4.30am on Tuesday, telling officers they saw human legs hanging from the chute of a charity donations bin at Westfield Tuggerah.

Police have set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information or footage of the area to contact Crime Stoppers.

Twelve new preschools will open across the Hunter

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Twelve new preschools are set to open across the Hunter as part of a new $769 million investment from the NSW Government.

Cessnock, Ellalong, Kearsley, Nulkaba, Maryland, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Booragul, Teralba, Tenambit and Shortland are among 100 new preschools set to open across NSW by 2027.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says the project is a welcome investment.

"We have two coming to Maitland and one at Gillieston which will be rebuilt, and be a community based public preschool giving kids a much better transition into school."

Wanted Man Facing Muswellbrook Court On Traffic, Property And Hunting Offences

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man wanted on more than two dozen traffic and hunter offences is due to face Muswellbrook Local Court today (Monday 19 February 2024).

Following investigations, Police went to a property on Ridgeland Road at Wybong early Sunday morning to arrest a 30-year-old man.

When they arrived, it's a alleged the man fled from the residence, driving through bushland in a utility.

PolAir tracked the vehicle and the man was arrested a short time later.

On top of the 27 traffic, property and hunting offences, the Singleton man is facing a further 6 charges including take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, two counts of police pursuit and drive while suspended and disqualified.

The man's been held in custody pending his court appearance today.

 

Man To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit Through Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court over an alleged pursuit through Newcastle overnight.

Police say they spotted a red Ford Focus on Donald Street at Hamilton just after midnight and attempted to stop the driver after checks revealed the vehicle's registration was expired.

A pursuit was initiated when the driver failed to stop.

A short time later, the car crashed into a street sign on Northcott Drive and the driver was arrested.

The 29-year-old has been charged with being an unlicensed driver, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously and using an unregistered vehicle on the road.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 16 February, 2024).

 

Police Believe Missing Mid-Coast Teen Could Be In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have issued an appeal for information to help find a missing teenager who could be in Newcastle.

13-year-old Tadgh Kelly was last seen at a shopping centre in Forster at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

Police believe he may have travelled to Newcastle or Sydney on public transport.

Tadgh is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a slim build, about 160cm tall with short blonde hair.

He was last seen wearing a black Nike cap, black shirt with a Tommy Hilfiger label, black shorts and grey joggers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Missing teen Tadgh Kelly

 

Newcastle Hit With Flash Flooding In Overnight Downpour

 BY IAN CROUCH

Parts of the Newcastle CBD went under water on Thursday night as a torrential downpour triggered flash flooding.

Merewether recorded 75mm, while Blacksmiths had 70mm and Swansea 60mm.

At one stage, water completely covered the intersection of King and Steel Streets, but Newcastle Police say the water subsided quickly once the rain stopped around midnight.

Many people took to social media calling on Newcastle Council to address the need for better drainage in the city.

The heavy rain came on top a major electrical storm on Wednesday afternoon, which also brought a downpour, causing many streets and drains to quickly fill with water.

The intersection of King and Steel Streets went under water at about 11.00pm on Thursday. Picture: Corey Crookes

BREAKING! Firefighters Battling Large Factory Fire At Wickham

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are battling a large fire at an industrial unit at Wickham.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 4 triple zero calls to Newcastle Auto Electrics at the corner of Foundry and Church Streets just after 3.30am on Thursday to find the factory complex well alight with flames through the roof.

Around 40 firefighters and the Hazmat unit are at the scene.

Firefighters are battling the flames in defensive mode from the street and here are reports the roof of the building has collapsed.

There are reports several cars are on fire at the premises.

Oily smoke is impacting Wickham residents living to the north of the fire, with police issuing messages urging people to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

Police and Ambulance crews are also at the scene. 

The fire caused extensive damage to the business and a number of cars Picture: Fire & Rescue NSW

Spike in whooping cough cases leaves many concerned

 BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A total of 34 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the Hunter this year, the highest seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Data reveals case numbers in the last two months have surpassed those recorded across the entirety of 2023. 

The bacterial infection is highly contagious and has proven to be deadly in young children, with symptoms lasting up to three months. 

Officials from The John Hunter Hospital are urging anyone who is able to get a booster shot of the vaccine to do so. 

Arguing it can offer protection from the illness for three to four years. 

Spike In Gastric Bug Cases In The Hunter Prompts Health Warning

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter New England Health is urging residents to take precautions against cryptosporidiosis, with a major outbreak sweeping the state.

Around 500 cases of the nasty gastric bug have been reported in the first two weeks of February, including almost 50 in our region.

It's most often caught by people while swimming who've swallowed water, and is particularly prevalent in young children.

The microscopic parasite cryptosporidium causes diarrhoea. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite.

Health authorities say people should avoid going swimming for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear and to practice good hand hygiene. 

 

Hoarders Residence At Cessnock Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have worked for almost three hours to extinguish a fire which engulfed two sheds at Cessnock overnight.

Crews responded to ten triple-zero calls to the Campbell Street address just before midnight, arriving to find the sheds and a large amount of rubbish on the property up in flames.

28 firefighters from five stations including a ladder platform from Newcastle took almost an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Newcastle Fire Command says the property was a hoarders residence and no-one was injured in the fire.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known but police say the fire is not being treated as suspicious. 

Firefighters mop up the blaze in Campbell Street overnight. Picture Kearsley Fire & Rescue

 

Driver Charged With Driving Recklessly and Furiously On Newcastle Inner City Bypass

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged a man with driving recklessly and furiously on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Hillsborough.

Highway Patrol officers say just before 4.00am on Sunday they detected an MG SUV being driven at 196km/hr in a 90 zone on the bypass.

They pulled the car over and subjected the driver to a random drug test where it's alleged he returned a positive result.

The 27-year-old, who was allegedly driving on a disqualified licence, was taken to Belmont Police Station where he underwent a second drug test.

The Stockton man's been charged with driving while disqualified, drive recklessly and furiously or speed manner dangerous and exceed speed by more than 45km/hr.

He faced Newcastle Local Court on Sunday where he was granted strict conditional bail to face the same court on March 7.

Police Investigate Armed Robbery On New Lambton Restaurant

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for a man who held up a New Lambton restaurant at gunpoint.

It's alleged the man walked into the Domino's Pizza restaurant on Regent Street at about 10.15pm on Sunday and threatened a 23-year-old male employee with a firearm while demanding cash.

The man then fled with an amount of money.

The employee wasn't injured during the incident.

The wanted man is described as being of thin build and about 170-180cm tall.

He was wearing a black motorcycle helmet, a white t-shirt over a black jumper, black pants, white sneakers with a blue trim, black gloves and was carrying a brown bag.

Anyone with information or who is able to identify the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Supercars Infrastructure Set To Go From Newcastle East

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council is about to start restoration work on the city's east end, marking the final stage in the withdrawal of the Supercars from the city.

Planning for stage one on the roundabouts at the intersection of Watt Street and Wharf Road as well as Zara Street and Shortland Esplanade is under way, and permanent structures should be in place by July.

Council voted in November to remove the temporary crossings and roundabouts after the Newcastle 500 was moved to Bathurst when Supercars and Council could not reach an agreement.

Three Teens To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three teenagers are expected to face the Children's Court after a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car through Newcastle.

Officers began pursuing a Subaru Impreza on Charlestown Road at Charlestown at about 1.20am on Sunday morning, but called off the chase when the car crossed to the wrong side of the road on Lookout Road near the John Hunter Hospital.

The car was found dumped a short time later in Grainger Street, Lambton.

A police dog found the trio hiding behind a backyard shed.

A 16-year-old boy and his two passengers aged 15 were arrested and charged with multiple offences. 

Man Arrested After Dramatic Pursuit Through Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Friday 9 February, 2024) accused of leading police on a dramatic pursuit through Newcastle West.

Just after 3 yesterday afternoon, Police attempted to stop the driver of a vehicle wanted in relation to alleged domestic violence offences.

Officers began pursuing the car along Hunter Street when the driver failed to stop as directed.

A short time later the black Honda Accord crashed into the corner of a building at the intersection of Florence Avenue.

The driver fled on foot and was quickly arrested.

The 34-year-old is facing Newcastle Local Court today on several charges including domestic violence, assault police, driving, traffic and drug offences.

 

The crash scene on Hunter Street Newcastle West. Picture Newcastle Herald

Windella community members oppose planned home-estate

 BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Members of the Windella Residents Community Group are concerned a manufactured home-estate planned for Windella violates planning laws.

Group leader Warren Baldacchino, argues the planned 282 home-estate will be too close to Maitland airport, and is concerned the airport could seek to develop the nearby land later on.

Mr Baldacchino also flagged the potential traffic increases, saying the additional units will bring 400 people to Windella, and will double the number of cars on the road.

Chris Speek from developer Mavid Group, says plans submitted to Maitland City Council are generally compliant with relevant laws. 

He also argues the group have considered the existing neighboring properties and airport when designing the estate.

Maitland City Council has called for public comment on the plan, and will accept submissions until March 4.

Paintball Guns Found In Stolen Van After Pursuit In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Thursday 8 February, 2024) accused of leading police on a pursuit through Newcastle in a stolen van.

Police spotted a Toyota Hilux which had earlier been reported stolen from a Nelson Bay address in Brown Street yesterday morning.

As they approached it's alleged the driver of the van drove into the back of a parked car before speeding off.

Officers gave chase along Honeysuckle Drive but terminated the pursuit near Hannell Street.

The van was found abandoned a short time later in the rail corridor near Newcastle Interchange.

Acting on information from the public, police arrested a 39-year-old Windale man in Beaumont Street.

A search of the van allegedly uncovered five paintball guns and related equipment stolen fro a Cooranbong businesses earlier this week.

The man's been charged with six offences and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today. 

Car Down Embankment At Redhead: Two People To Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people have been taken to hospital after a car crashed down an embankment at Redhead.

Emergency services were called to Redhead Road near Oakdale Road at about 9.40am on Wednesday to reports of a two car crash.

Firefighters rescued a woman in her 40's from one of the cars.

NSW Ambulance says she's been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with pelvic and leg injuries, while a man in his 30's or 40's has also been transported to the John Hunter suffering injuries to his shoulder and leg. 

 

Man Taken To Hospital After House Fire At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has suffered smoke inhalation in a house fire at Muswellbrook.

Firefighters were called to Adam Street just after 9.30am on Wednesday to find a granny flat underneath a house on fire.

They took about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze, with the flames confined to the flat.

NSW Ambulance says a man in his 30's was treated at the scene before being taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for further treatment. 

The cause of the fire is being investigated but is not thought to be suspicious.

Driver Taken To Hospital After Truck Crash Near Murrurundi

 BY IAN CROUCH

A truck driver has been taken to hospital after a crash in the Upper Hunter overnight.

He was behind the wheel of a southbound B-Double on the New England Highway at Murulla south of Murrurundi just before midnight when he lost control and the truck jackknifed.

Newcastle Fire Command says he managed to free himself and was treated by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Tamworth Hospital for observation.

A Hazmat unit decanted fuel from the rig and a heavy tow truck has been brought in to remove the vehicle.

A contra flow is in operation while the crash scene is cleared.  

UPDATE! Concerns For Woman Missing From Stroud

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

After a public appeal for information, Vicki was found safe and well at Booral at about 10.20am on Wednesday.

 Police have thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

 EARLIER:

Police are asking for help from the public to find a woman missing from Stroud.

62-year-old Vicki Davey was last seen leaving a business on Memorial Avenue at about 2.00pm on Tuesday and the alarm was raised when she could not be located or contacted.

Vicki's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall with a thin build and short blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a light blue and white dress, grey cardigan and thongs.

Vicki is known to frequent the New Lambton area and may be hitchhiking.

Anyone with information is urged to call Port Stephens Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing woman Vicki Davey

Backburning Continues On Large Bushfire Near Karuah

 BY IAN CROUCH

A bush fire near Karuah has now burnt through more than 940 hectares after it broke out late on Saturday afternoon.

Fire crews remain on high alert ahead of another day of hot and dry conditions, with northeasterly winds expected to pick up by the middle of the day.

The Rural Fire Service says crews have spent the night back burning along the Bucketts Way, which remains closed this morning.

Residents living at Limeburners Creek and Karuah are being advised to monitor conditions.

 

Crews continued backburning through the night Picture: Zayne Phillips 

 

Search For Missing Fisherman Off Fingal Bay Enters Third Day

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search will resume at 8.00 o'clock on Monday morning for a man swept into the sea while rock fishing at Fingal Bay at the weekend.

The man was with a three other people when they were swept of  rocks at about 9.00am on Saturday.

Two men and a woman were rescued and treated by paramedics.

However, a man in his 60's could not be found

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched a critical care team to a man in his 50's who suffered injuries  after being swept off rocks 

Singleton Couple Share In Massive Powerball Jackpot

 BY IAN CROUCH

A couple from Singleton have shared the largest ever jackpot in Australian history in Thursday night's $200 million Powerball draw.

They're sharing the money with a winner from Queensland, with each pocketing $100 million after winning the division one prize.

The Lott says the Singleton couple purchased a 50-game Quick Pick entry - which costs $67.40 - online.

They answered their phone call on the first ring while lying in bed.

The winning woman thanked The Lott representative, saying "It's a lot of money. A lot of money to fathom".

Workers Threatened With Sword During Hold-Up At Swansea

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for a man who held up a business at Swansea overnight.

Police say the man entered the business on Belmont Street at about 10.30pm on Wednesday and threatened two male employees aged 17 and 21 with a sword while demanding money.

He fled the business with an amount of cash.

Police say the workers were not harmed during the incident.

The alleged offender is described as being about 30-years old with blue eyes and was wearing a grey hooded jumper and black pants.

Anyone who witnessed the man running off or who has information about the incident is urged to call Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE! Firefighters Battling Building Fire In High Street Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have gained the upper hand on a building fire at Maitland.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from five stations and the Hazmat unit were called to a single level commercial complex in High Street just before 4.30am on Thursday.

The fire has been confined to the Mitchell's Physiotherapy business, while 4 cars have also been damaged.

They've managed to stop the fire spreading to the adjacent Jaycar business.

High Street, Abbot Street and one lane of the New England Highway have been closed while firefighting operations continue.

EARLIER: 

Fire crews have been called to a building fire in the main street of Maitland.

Crews from East Maitland and Mayfield West responded to multiple Triple Zero calls to the single level building in High Street just before 4.30am on Thursday to find the premises well alight.

It's understood the building is occupied by Mitchell Integrated Physiotherapy.

Several cars in a parking area are also on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says further crews from Rutherford, Morpeth and Tarro have been dispatched to the incident along with Police and Ambulance.

It's expected High Street will be closed while firefighting operations continue.

Firefighters had to cut through a roll-a-door to reach the fire. Picture: Fire & Rescue NSW