Unit Destroyed During Alleged Siege At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital following a siege and fire at Thornton this morning.

Police were called to a unit in Government Road just after 6.30am today (Friday 25 July, 2025) to a concern for welfare report.

Police say a man was holed up inside the unit. 

Fire crews were also called to reports of a gas leak at the scene.

Police say the incident ended with the man safely taken into custody at about 9.00am when the unit was allegedly set on fire.

Crews took about an hour to extinguish the fire which gutted the unit.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

 

Super Battery to go on Former Munmorah Power Station Site

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The biggest battery in the Southern Hemisphere has been confirmed for the site of the former Munmorah Power Station. 

It's expected the 850 Megawatt NSW Waratah Super Battery facility will be up-and-running by 2025, with hopes it will in line-up with the closure of the Eraring Power Station. 

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley is welcoming the move, saying the project will generate hundreds of jobs in the construction and ongoing maintenance of the facility.

"Labor has fought hard to ensure that the Waratah Super Battery is located in the this region. We envision that the Munmorah site will become a renewable energy manufacturing hub." 

There's concern for the future of a 76 hectare Ash Dam which sits on the site, with environmentalists calling for remediator Generator Property Management to release its plans for the pond. 

 

UPDATE: Police Investigate Stabbing Of Two International Students In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for dash-cam footage as they investigate the stabbing of two men In Newcastle West early Thursday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to Devonshire Street between King and Hunter Streets at about 3.30am to find two men aged 25 and 28 with stab wounds.

Police have told 2NURFM News the two international students were confronted by two men and a woman.

Police say the wallet of the 25-year-old man was stolen during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

EARLIER:

Police are investigating a savage assault on two international students from the University of Newcastle early Thursday morning.

Police say the two young men were walking in a lane way off King Street around 3.00am when they were confronted by two men and a woman.

It's understood one of the students suffered a stab wound during the incident - both young men were injured and were taken to the John Hunter Hospital where they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Police say a motive for the attack is not known at this stage and they're asking anyone with information or witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Man Dies Following Motorcycle Crash At Redhead

A man has died following a motorcycle crash near Lake Macquarie last week.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, three trail bikes were travelling south along Kalaroo Road, Redhead, when one of the bikes and a Toyota Hilux collided.

Emergency services attended and treated the trail bike rider – a 24-year-old man – at the scene. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police were notified that the man died in hospital yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022).

The driver of the utility – a 20-year-old man – was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and has since been released pending further inquiries.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.