UPDATE! Man In Custody Over Alleged Fatal Assault At Raymond Terrace

 BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations continue into a fatal assault at Raymond Terrace overnight.

A 38-year-old man was found with head injuries at a Cambridge Avenue address just before 2.00am on Tuesday.

He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby and he remains under police guard at Maitland Hospital, where he is being treated for minor injuries.

It's reported an axe has been found at the scene.

Police have also recovered items of clothing, a hat, bikes and a scooter nearby. 

EARLIER:

A man is assisting police with inquiries after a man died at Raymond Terrace early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue just before 2.00am to reports a man was found with head injuries.

The 38-year-old was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby and has been taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

A crime scene has been set up as investigations continue.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

                            Superintendent Wayne Humphrey addresses the media on Tuesday afternoon

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

Notorious Rocks Claim Another Life At Snapper Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a fisherman who was swept to his death off rocks south of Catherine Hill Bay was wearing a life jacket.

Emergency services were called to Snapper Point at about 8 o'clock on Saturday morning after receiving reports the man had been swept into the sea.

His body was found on a rock ledge off Frasers Beach about 24 hours later.

Lifesavers say the man was wearing a life jacket but it came off in the water.

At least 19 people have been lost between Wybung Point and Catherine Hill Bay since 2011.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Snapper Point south of Catherine Hill Bay

Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Birmingham Gardens

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has escaped with cigarettes following an armed robbery overnight at Birmingham Gardens

Police say the man and his dog walked into the Matilda Service Station on Sandgate Road just after 8.30pm on Tuesday night.

He slammed a meat cleaver down on the counter and ordered the attendant to hand over cigarettes before leaving.

The worker was shaken but uninjured.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to identify the suspect. 

Belmont Man Arrested Over Historical Child Sex Offences

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike Force detectives investigating the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of three teenage girls in Lake Macquarie have arrested a man on unrelated child sex offences.

As part of investigations by Strike Force Arapaima, detectives uncovered allegations of sexual assault against two teenage boys in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast between 1987 and 2007.

Officers attended a Belmont home on Wednesday and arrested a 56-year-old man.

He's been charged with 13 offences including sexual intercourse with a person between 10 and 16 years old and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.