Man Dead Following Birmingham Gardens Altercation

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man has died following an altercation at Birmingham Gardens overnight.

Just after 11 o'clock, police responded to reports of a domestic incident between two men at a home on Wilkinson Avenue. 

Officers arrived at the residence to find a 68-year-old man unconscious.

The 68-year-old and a second man, aged 52, were both rushed to the John Hunter Hospital where the older man later died.

A crime scene has been established and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Elderly Woman Treated After House Fire At Birmingham Gardens

BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly woman has been taken to hospital after a house fire at Birmingham Gardens.

30 firefighters from Wallsend, Lambton and Mayfield West were called to the single level weatherboard home on Sandgate Road at about 10pm on Thursday to find the house well alight.

They took about 20 minutes to put out the blaze which has left the home in ruins.

Police say an elderly resident was taken to hospital where she's been treated for shock and chest pains - she's reported to be in a stable condition.

The fire is being treated as suspcious and a crime scene has been established as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.