UPDATE! Mine Rescue Operation At Ellalong

 BY IAN CROUCH

Efforts are continuing to recover the body of a man from a Hunter Valley mine shaft.

Police have been told the man, believed to be in his 50's, fell into the decommissioned mine shaft on Dry Creek Road at Ellalong while working at about 12.45pm on Tuesday.

He is yet to be formally identified.

 The NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation into the man's death and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

EARLIER:

Emergency services personnel have been assembling equipment to attempt a mine rescue in the coming hours in the Hunter Valley.

Police are trying to locate a man believed to have fallen down a decommissioned mine shaft after lunch time reports of an incident in Dry Creek Ellalong near the former Austar Coal Mine.

Police Rescue, paramedics and crews from Fire and Rescue NSW have joined Mines Rescue personnel at the scene.

Two workers tragically died in the Paxton mine disaster at the Austar Coal Mine in 2014.

 

Nuatali Nelmes Concedes Defeat To Independent Ross Kerridge In Newcastle Lord Mayoral Poll

 BY IAN CROUCH

In a dramatic turn of events, Nuatali Nelmes has conceded defeat to Independent Ross Kerridge in the Newcastle Lord Mayoral election.

In a statement overnight, Councillor Nelmes said "it was now evident" that she will likely fall just a few hundred votes short of re-election.

"I congratulate Dr Kerridge on his likely election as Newcastle's 15th lord mayor, and offer him my best wishes," she said.

Councillor Nelmes pointed to council's track record over her past decade as Lord Mayor, saying more than $1 billion had been invested in public infrastructure.

In particular, the Bathers Way, Newcastle Ocean Baths and the building of 35 playgrounds across the city were notable achievements as well as working to address the Stockton erosion crisis, investing in new social and affordable housing, and expanding the Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering the New Annual Festival.

Councillor Nelmes said the council had laid the foundation for future industries, such as the diversification of the Port of Newcastle, expansion of the John Hunter Hospital and University of Newcastle, and provided support for new industries like green hydrogen and offshore winds which she said will ensure Newcastle continues to thrive as the state's second largest city, and capital of the nation's largest regional economy.

Dr Kerridge has thanked Councillor Nelmes for her concession and her achievement as lord mayor for the past decade.

Dr Kerridge held 35.19 per cent of first preference votes and Councillor Nelmes 31.87 per cent on Tuesday.

Nuatali Nelmes

Police Investigate Suspicious Fire At Toronto

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue into a suspicious fire at Toronto.

More than 30 firefighters and Hazmat crews were called to Victory Parade just after midday on Sunday to find an abandoned two storey building engulfed in flames.

Around 20 people were evacuated  from a neighbouring apartment building and an exclusion zone was set up due to asbestos fears.

Crews took about 3 hours to douses the flames, with council crews called in to clean up debris from the roadway.

Firefighters battle the flames in Victory Parade. Picture: Teralba Fire & Rescue

Calls To Help Find a Girl Missing From The Newcastle Area

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Newcastle area.

Mercedes Sievers, aged 12, was last seen in the Kotara area, about 8pm yesterday (Sunday 15 September 2024).

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Mercedes is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of medium build, with dark long hair and green eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black jumper, grey shorts and Nike shoes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Cameron Park, Toronto, Glendale, and Charlestown areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

                                                                 Mercedes Sievers

Desalination Plant Approved For Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

Plans for a massive desalination plant at Belmont have been given the green light by the state government.

Construction work on the 530-million dollar project is due to start later this year.

Once complete, the plant will provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day to the Lower Hunter, meeting 15% of the region's average daily demand.

In January, Hunter Water modified the plans from a drought response to a permanent desalination plant.

It will be paid for via a new Hunter Water pricing structure for customers to take effect from July 1 next year.

BREAKING! Man On The Run After Armed Robbery At Cooks Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are investigating an armed robbery at Cooks Hill overnight.

Police say a man entered a store on Darby Street at about 10.00pm on Tuesday and threatened a 29-year-old man with a knife and a crowbar while demanding cash and cigarettes.

The man was given cash before leaving the store.

Police carried out patrols of the area but weren't able to locate him.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Firefighters Called To Fisheries Institute At Anna Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a fire in a building at the Fisheries Research Centre at Port Stephens.

Crews arrived at the Anna Bay facility just after 5.30am on Wednesday to find smoke issuing from the building.

It turns out an aerator attached to a 230 litre water tank burnt out.

Crews used a CO2 extinguisher to douse the flames.

The fire was contained to the aerator.

Emergency Services Put To The Test At Newcastle Port

 BY IAN CROUCH

We're being told not to be alarmed if we see large numbers of emergency service personnel around the Port of Newcastle today.

The Port Authority is hosting its annual multi-agency training exercise from 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning.

It will involve representatives from Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, Transport for NSW, Port of Newcastle, Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Maritime Authority who'll be putting their capabilities to the test.

The exercise is due to wrap up by 1.00pm.

New Shared Paths Weave Throughout Lake Macquarie

BY TARNI CRUICKSHANK

Lake Macquarie residents can now enjoy increased safety and ease when walking and cycling, following the completion of new paths in the area.

Work has wrapped on a two hundred and fifty metre path linking Pasterfield Sports Complex to the older precinct of Cameron Park.

It is one of two new shared-paths in the area, and aims to increase access to the sports complex, by foot.

Lake Macquarie Lord Mayor, Kay Fraser says these paths are essential in encouraging residents to rely less on their vehicles and make healthier lifestyle choices.

"They'll be able to actually walk or hop on a bike and get there much quicker and safer.

"It's only small but it was really important to the Cameron Park community and I am really pleased that we have been able to deliver that."

The paths form part of a larger regional cycle route to connect the Fernleigh Track to Richmond Vale via numerous suburbs such as Edgeworth, Minmi and Glendale. 

Projects and Technical Officer, Tom Earls and Mayor Kay Fraser at Pasterfield shared path.

Photo credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Boat And Cars Damaged By Fire At Edgeworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Edgeworth overnight.

Four fire crews from Cardiff and Holmesville were called to a home in Nott Street at about 9.45pm on Monday to find a boat and a car had caught fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says the car fire had been extinguished prior to arrival of firefighters.

They took about 20 minutes to put out the boat fire.

A second car sustained minor fire damage.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Fears Growing For Man Missing From Newcastle For More Than A Month

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of man who's been missing from the Newcastle area for more than five weeks.

27-year-old Ricky Wilson was last seen at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah on the morning of Monday August 5.

When he couldn't be located, police from Batemans Bay were notified and commenced inquiries.

Ricky is also known to frequent the Jesmond and Newcastle CBD areas.

Police and his family are very concerned as he suffers from a medical condition.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Man Ricky Wilson

BREAKING! Car Fire Closes Southbound Lanes Of Nelson Bay Road At Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Diversions are in place on Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown where a car has burst into flames after crashing into a power pole.

RFS crews were called to the scene just south of Cabbage Tree Road at about 4.30am on Wednesday to find the car well alight and the power pole also on fire.

The force of the crash has split the power pole at the base and Ausgrid has also been alerted.

Crews say the driver of the car was not with the vehicle when they arrived.

Police are also at the scene.

 

The car fire has closed the southbound lanes of Nelson Bay Road. Picture: Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS

 

Melville Ford Bridge Upgrades

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Construction has begun on the new Melville Ford Bridge near Maitland.

The upgraded bridge will stand seven meters taller than the existing bridge, and will be built with concrete rather than timber.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says the 8.2 million dollar project will enhance access during flooding and will have no weight restrictions.

"Those who cross that bridge know that even a small flooding event will cause it to be closed for many days if not weeks, so this will make a great improvement." 

He also says Maitland residents will benefit from more upgrades in the future.

"It is important as Maitland grows that we keep on top of all these issues."

"It it is a rapidly growing place, but I'm committed to keeping on top of such things, and making sure that roads and traffic flow are the priority." 

Works are set to be completed by mid 2025.

Image credit: Maitland City Council

Fears For Young Girl Missing From Glendale Since July.

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are asking for help to find a teenage girl who hasn't been seen for a month.

13-year-old Lily Renyard was last seen at Glendale on Saturday July 27 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Lily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 152cm tall with a thin build, blue eyes and shoulder length hair dyed black with blue streaks.

She's known to frequent the Elermore Vale, Edgeworth, Gosford, Bathurst and Maitland areas and is known to use the rail network.

If you've seen Lily or know where she is, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Lily Renyard

UPDATE! Car Into House At Sawyers Gully

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital after crashing his car into a house at Sawyers Gully early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Sawyers Gully Road just before 3.00am.

It's believed the Nissan X-trail was traveling west along Sawyers Gully Road near the intersection of Bathurst Street when the vehicle left the road and crashed through a fence before crashing into a room at the rear of the house.

The driver, a 41-year-old man, was trapped in the car for some time before being freed by members of the Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Squad.

He was treated at the scene by the critical care team attached to the Westpac Rescue helicopter before being taken by ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital with multiple injuries.

Police say the occupants of the home weren't injured; however their pet dog was struck by the vehicle, causing a broken leg.

Members of the VRA also installed structural supports to the damaged house which will remain in place until repairs can be carried out.

 

Emergency Services at the scene of the crash in Sawyers Gully. Picture Cessnock VRA

 

 

BREAKING! Charmhaven Shop Destroyed In Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

A shop at Charmhaven just south of Lake Macquarie has been destroyed by fire after a car crashed through the front of the premises early Thursday morning.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received several triple zero calls to a Tobacconist Shop on the Pacific Highway just before 2.30am, arriving to find the car and the shop up in flames with adjoining shops under threat.

Crews from fives stations and RFS teams extinguished the blaze in just over half an hour, which also caused damage to shops on either side.

It's believed the driver took off after the crash.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

 

A tobacconist shop and a car were destroyed in the fire. Photo: Jordan Wilson

Teenage girl missing from Port Stephens

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Port Stephens.

Jasmine Anderson, aged 14, was last seen at a bus stop on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, about 11:30am Sunday (18 August 2024).

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Jasmine is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build and with brown hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle Interchange, Dora Creek and Nowra areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Jasmine Anderson

Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Hunter Valley Crime Spree

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police have arrested and charged two men over a wanton crime spree across the coalfields over the past two months.

Police allege a shop at Huntlee was broken into and various items stolen on June 24.

Three weeks later, a Retirement Village at North Rothbury was extensively damaged by graffiti and a number of fire extinguishers were set off.

Then on Wednesday August 7, various items were stolen from a shop at Huntlee.

Yesterday, (Tuesday 20 August, 2024), officers went to a home at North Rothbury and arrested two men aged 19 and 20.

They've been charged with theft and malicious damage offences.

The 19-year-old is facing Singleton Court today and the 20-year-old is facing the same court on September 19.

Legal Challenge To Mount Pleasant Coal Mine Extension Dismissed

 BY IAN CROUCH

A legal challenge to the extension of the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook has been dismissed by the Land and Environment Court.

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group launched the action in December 2022 arguing the Independent Planning Commission made errors in failing to consider the impacts of the scope 3 emissions from the mine on the environment as well as social and economic impacts on the area including air quality.

However, Justice John Robson dismissed the legal action, saying it was beyond the jurisdiction of the court to rule on the potential impacts of the mine extension, saying its role is to determine whether the IPC carried out its functions in accordance with its statutory powers, which it did.

It means the Mount Pleasant Mine will become the largest open cut operation in NSW, allowing MACH Energy to extract 21 million tonnes of coal a year up until 2048, 22 years longer than its current approval, which expires in 2026.

The Mount Pleasant open-cut mine. Picture Newcastle Herald

 

BREAKING! Brave Shopkeeper Fights Off Would-Be Robber At Kahibah

 BY IAN CROUCH

A would-be armed robber got more than he bargained for when he tried to hold-up a grocery store at Kahibah overnight.

CCTV footage shows the heavy set man wearing a dark hoodie and hi-viz trousers entering the Friendly Grocer IGA Store in Glebe Street at about 7.40pm on Tuesday armed with a knife.

He confronted the proprietor who was crouched down using a dustpan and brush to sweep up.

Seeing the man approaching, the proprietor sprang to his feet and started hitting the offender with a broom and a struggle ensued.

During the affray, the shop owner managed to grab a large baton and proceeded to hit the offender over the head with it.

The man then fled with the owner in hot pursuit.

Lake Macquarie Police are investigating.

We've shared the footage of the incident on the 2NURFM Hunter News Facebook Page. 

The would-be robber flees as the brave shopkeeper fights him off with a baton Picture: Facebook

Newcastle Liberals announce election team

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Callum Pull will be running for Lord mayor as well as in Ward Four at the September Council Election.

Miss Rochelle Manning will stand in Ward One, Jenny Barrie in Ward Two, and Mr Matt Bailey in Ward Three.

Current Ward Four Councillor Callum Pull says "the city needs new leadership and that is what the Newcastle Liberals are promising at this election.

We've seen over the past decade under Labor's leadership our suburbs ignored, money poured into inner city vanity projects and not put into the critical infrastructure  that our growing city needs going forward".

Meanwhile, Newcastle Greens have announced Rebecca Watkins as their candidate for Ward Four.

She says she's "looking forward to delivering on the Greens' aims for a more accountable council, a better deal for those struggling to afford housing and achieving a clean green future in Newcastle".

The elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday 14 September.

Liberal candidates contesting the Newcastle Council Election

Charges Laid Over Brawl At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Charges have now been laid over an alleged assault at Merewether which left four men in hospital.

Police were called to Hickson Street in the early hours of Sunday morning to reports a group of people were assaulted by several men before they left the scene.

Paramedics treated four men all aged 22 before they were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with a range of facial injuries.

Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man at a home in Maitland.

He's been charged with five offences including assault ad affray and has been given strict bail to face Newcastle Court on September 12.

Inquiries are continuing. 

BREAKING! Fire Crews Called To Major Hazmat Incident At Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to reports of a Hazmat incident at the Newcastle Airport precinct.

A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW says crews were called to BAE Systems off Williamtown Drive just before midnight on Monday.

It's understood there was an uncontrolled release of firefighting foam in a hangar.

Police say the foam is not toxic but crews will be busy for several hours cleaning up the mess.

Flights into and out of Newcastle Airport have not been impacted by the incident.

Long day care workers in the Hunter set to receive 15% pay increase

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

After significant efforts from the Independent Education Union, long day care workers in the Hunter are set to be awarded a 15% pay increase. 

Under the current award, full-time long day care workers are being paid $93,000 a year, but with the increase it will be bumped up to over $107,000. 

The federal government is set to invest $3.6 billion dollars into the increase, with pays to jump up by 10% in December, and 5% a year later. 

The union also welcomed the proposed 4.4% cap on fee increases for parents over the next 12 months. 

Carol Matthews from the union says the pay rise is aiming to boost workforce attraction and retention. 

"The rate of pay at the moment, is well under that of teachers in schools. 

"The conditions are pretty demanding, both the nature of the work and other conditions that go along with it. that has led to a real shortage of teachers and services are finding it really hard to fill those positions." 

Additional laws being requested by the union aim to address the long-term failure to properly value work in feminised sectors including early childhood education and care. 

"It's not an accident that female dominated areas are being paid less than those with less women, so it's a great move. We know there is more work to do, but this is a great first step."

Discussions are currently being made between the union and the federal government as to how the funding will be distributed. 

Update! Fiery Truck Crash Closes M1 Northbound At Morisset

 BY IAN CROUCH

The northbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway have been re-opened after a major crash and fire involving two trucks at Morisset last night.

A semi-trailer collided with a stationary road works vehicle at about 10.15pm pushing it into the bush.

Police say the semi-trailer was destroyed by fire.

The 30-driver was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing while the 55-year-old male driver of the second truck wasn't injured..

Fire crews were called back to a re-ignition just after 5 o'clock

The northbound lanes remained closed until just before 6.30 this morning.

A crane and heavy tow will be brought in to remove the trucks.

EARLIER:

There are major delays for northbound traffic on the M1 at Morisset after a fiery crash involving two trucks overnight.

The crash happened just south of the Mandalong Road exit at about 10.15pm on Wednesday, with one of the trucks running off the road into bush and catching fire.

It's believed a man in his 30's was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition with lacerations and minor injuries.

Fire crews took about 2 two hours to extinguish the blaze but were called back just after 5am when the truck re-ignited.

The fire was quickly put out.

A crane and heavy tow vehicle will be brought in at daybreak to carry out a salvage operation.

BREAKING! Missing Port Stephens Girls Found Safe And Well At Telarah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two young girls reported missing from the Port Stephens area earlier this week have been found safe and well overnight.

12-year-old Ellah White was last seen leaving Tomaree High School on Tuesday morning and 13-year-old Sophie Fletcher hadn't been seen since leaving a Nelson Bay home on Monday morning.

Police say they received a call from staff at Telarah Railway Station at about 11 o'clock on Wednesday night reporting both girls were together on the platform.

They were picked up a short time later and safely returned to their families.

Woman Injured In Crash At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after a single vehicle crash at Muswellbrook.

Police and Ambulance crews were called to Kayuga Road at about 7.40pm on Tuesday where a silver Mazda station wagon had left the road and crashed into a power pole.

The 25-year-old woman from Aberdeen was the sole occupant on the car and was trapped for a short time before being released.

She was treated at the scene for lacerations and minor injuries before being transported to hospital in a stable condition for further treatment and observation.

Elderly Man Dies After Crashing Into Petrol Bowser At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say an elderly man most likely suffered a medical episode before crashing into a petrol bowser at Mayfield and later dying in hospital.

Emergency services were called to the BP Station on Maitland Road at about 4.30pm on Tuesday where the man's Toyota Camry had crashed into a fuel bowser while he was attempting to leave the station.

Police say the bowser sustained only minor damage in the crash.

The 82-year-old man, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was treated by paramedics before being taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital, where he later died.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner. 

Concerns For Young Girl Missing From Salamander Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a young girl reported missing in the Port Stephens area.

12-year-old Ellah White was last seen leaving Tomaree High School at about 9.30am on Tuesday and has not been seen or head from since.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Ellah's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a slim build and long blonde curly hair.

She was last seen wearing blue long pants, a blue polo shirt and blue hooded jumper.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing girl Ella White

Missing teenager from Glendale

 BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance in their search for a teenager missing from Lake Macquarie.

16-year-old Carly Cartwright was last seen on 24/07/2024 at Glendale, NSW.

She's described as having a Caucasian appearance, 152cm tall, a thin build, shoulder length blond hair and blue eyes.

She's known to frequent the Teralba, Edgeworth, Bolton Point, Argenton, Belmont, Windale and Newcastle areas, along with shopping centres at Charlestown and Glendale.

Carly is also known to utilise public transport.

Carly Cartwright

Appeal for information after armed robbery in Rutherford

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for information and would like to speak with a man as investigations continue into an attempted armed robbery in Rutherford.

About 11.30pm yesterday (Monday 5 August 2024), police were called to a home on Waterworks Road, following reports of an attempted armed robbery.

On arrival, officers were told a man had threatened a 64-year-old man with a knife and demanded he hand over the property; when the 64-year-old refused, the other man left the scene.

Police believe the incident may be related to reported break and enters which occurred on the same road on Monday 22 July, Thursday 25 July, and Friday 2 August 2024.

As inquiries continue, police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

He's described as being about 187cm tall with medium build and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a dark grey hooded jumper, light grey tracksuit pants and dark shoes, and may be wearing reading glasses.

Anyone with information is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

We've posted the CCTV footage on the 2nurfm Hunter News Facebook page.

Snapshot of CCTV footage

Police Release Images Of Persons Of Interest Over Morisset Break-In

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Police are investigating several aggravated break-ins and vehicle thefts at Morisset.

CCTV images show three men rifling through filing cabinets at a commercial premises at about 2.15am on Monday this week.

Several motor vehicles were also stolen during the break-in.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police want to speak with three men over an aggravated break-in at Morisset

Teen Missing From Rutherford For Three Weeks

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's been missing from Rutherford for almost three weeks.

14-year-old Jordan Christian was last seen at about 1pm on Saturday July 6 but wasn't reported missing to police until Wednesday this week.

There are concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Jordan's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build and is known to frequent the Rutherford and Lochinvar areas.

anyone with information is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Jordan Christian

UPDATE! Police Operation Closes Newcastle Road Eastbound At Jesmond

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A man is in police custody after a woman was injured when she was alleged hit by a stolen SUV at Jesmond early Wednesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Newcastle Road just before 2am after a 21year-old traffic controller was allegedly struck by a silver Mercedes Benz SUV which was being pursued by police. 

Police had initiated the pursuit only moments earlier when the SUV – which had been reported stolen from Salt Ash – was seen allegedly travelling above the speed limit.

Police immediately rendered assistance to the injured woman while the alleged driver of the stolen SUV was arrested after a being chased down on foot.

The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she is reported to be in a stable condition with pelvic injuries.

The 30-year-old man has been taken to Waratah Police Station.

A crime scene was established by Newcastle City Police with officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit now conducting inquiries.

 EARLIER:

 There are major delays for traffic at Jesmond this morning due to a police operation.

Eastbound motorists on Newcastle Road are now being diverted onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The Transport Management Centre says westbound motorists  wanting to use the Inner City Bypass can consider using Blue Gum Road instead.

Motorists should also allow extra travel time and follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews on site.