BREAKING! Tenambit Home Destroyed In Fierce Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a home at Tenambit overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 15 triple zero calls to a medium-sized single level brick and tile house in Lavinia Close, with the first crew arriving just after 12.30am today (Friday 18 September 2026) to find the property engulfed in flames.

Five fire trucks and an aerial appliance responded to the blaze.

Around 20 firefighters fought the flames for almost 4 hours, unable to enter the property due to the intensity of the blaze.

The roof collapsed at the height of the fire, with the property reduced to a pile smouldering rubble.

All the occupants have been accounted for and an investigation will get under way to determine how the fire started.  

 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Jesmond Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

Police have advised Darren has been located.

They've thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from Jesmond.

57-year-old Darren Daley was last seen in Michael Street at about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2026) and there are concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia and a number of medical conditions.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a beard.

Darren was last seen wearing a green/khaki jacket, purple jumper, black tracksuit pants, black sneakers and a Koori Knockout hat.

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

 

Missing Man Darren Daley

Police Search For Alleged Sexual Touching Offender In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to track down a man accused of sexually touching a girl on a bus in the Hunter this week.

Three girls were travelling on a bus from Rotary Park at Kurri Kurri to Cessnock Road at Gillieston Heights on Wednesday September 9 just before 4.00pm when an unknown man allegedly touched one of the girls on the hip and thigh.

The girl wasn't injured.

The man's described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40's or 50's with a medium to large build and short grey hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with a white logo on the front and white writing on the sleeve, grey tracksuit pants and white Nike joggers,

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Police want to speak to this man about an alleged sexual touching incident.

 

Search Under Way For Teen Missing From Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

16-year-old Kobi Hughes was last seen at Thornton on Wednesday September 2nd.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build and short light brown hair.

Kobi is known to frequent the Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton and Erina areas.

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

 

Lithium Ion Battery Suspected In Fierce Townhouse Fire At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police and fire investigators are looking into whether an e-bike left on charge was responsible for a devastating townhouse fire at Mayfield overnight.

Eight fire trucks and around 50 firefighters were called to the row of Department of Housing townhouses in Elizabeth Street just before 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 September to find one two level unit engulfed in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was inside the unit at the time and 10 occupants from the complex were safely evacuated without injury.

It took about an hour to bring the blaze under control, with crews remaining on scene until just after midnight to mop up and make the area safe.

Fire investigators will arrive on Thursday morning to confirm the cause of the fire.

While the blaze was confined to one unit, there are concerns about the structural integrity of the remaining townhouses.

 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news!

14-year-old Xavier Powrie has been found. Police have thanks the media and the public for their assistance. 

 EARLIER:

A search is under way for a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Xavier Powrie was last seen on Marshall Avenue on Tuesday September 1 and he hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a thin build, short curly hair in a rats tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

It's believed he may be wearing a black hoodie and track pants and is known to frequent the Metford and East Maitland areas.

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

 

Missing teen Xavier Powrie

 

Police Release CCTV Footage Of Alleged Getaway Driver In Commonwealth Hotel Armed Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released CCTV footage of a man and a vehicle which they believe were involved in the violent armed robbery on the Commonwealth Hotel at Cooks Hill two years ago.

Last week, 37-year-old John Jarrett and 32-year-old Marley Tiopira were each gaoled for a maximum of 7 years after storming the pub in the early hours of February 28, 2024 armed with a machete and baseball bat respectively.

It's alleged a getaway driver assaulted a cleaner before all three men escaped with $125,000 in a white Mercedes A190 hatchback with damage on the rear left side passenger door.

The third man was wearing a hooded jumper, baseball cap, tracksuit pants and black shoes with a distinctive while mark or stain on the right shoe.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries

 

CCTV Footage Released Of Muswellbrook Robbery Suspects

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Detectives are appealing for information as an investigation continues into the robbery of a Muswellbrook bottle shop earlier this year.

At around 10pm Friday 22 May, police were called to a business on the corner of Maitland Road and Sydney Street. 

It was reported three people forced entry into the bottle shop and assaulted an employee before stealing alcohol. 

A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced. 

Following inquiries, a 17-year-old boy was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station the following Monday. 

He was charged with robbery in company and 10 unrelated offences, including break and enter and vehicles charges. 

The 17-year-old was granted conditional bail at a children's court the same day and is next due to appear in September. 

CCTV images have been released of a woman police believe might be able to assist with inquiries. 

She is depicted wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, with black pants and white sneakers. 

Footage was also released of a black Holden Cruze sedan seen in the area at the time of the incident. 

Anyone able to identify the woman or vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Pictures supplied. 

5-Year-Old Girl Dies In Lake Macquarie House Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The death of a little girl in a house fire has left the Swansea Heads community in shock.

Around 40 firefighters, police and ambulance crews were called to Northcote Avenue around 1.30am yesterday afternoon (Thursday 20 August, 2026) to find the home engulfed in flames.

An elderly woman in her 80's was taken to hospital with serious burns, while the body of the 5-year-old girl was later found in the burnt out home.

A second child living at the home was not injured.

Police have praised the actions of a teenage boy who lives nearby who tried to gain access to the burning home - he suffered cuts to his leg and was taken to hospital.

Investigators have set up a crime scene and inquiries into the fire continue

Police Launch Appeal To Find Teenage Girl Missing From Camberwell

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing in the Upper Hunter.

15-year-old Eelaylah Roberts was last seen on Glennie Street at Camberwell on the evening of Friday August 7 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build and long brown hair and is believed to frequent the Rutherford and Singleton areas.

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

Missing teen Eelaylah Roberts

 

BREAKING! Yachtsman Escapes After Vessel Explodes Off Vales Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

A yachtsman has managed to jump clear of his vessel after it exploded in flames last night in southern Lake Macquarie.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews were called to Vales Point just before 9.00pm to find a 30 foot yacht on fire about 350 metres from shore.

The yacht's owner, who was the only person on board, managed to swim to shore and wasn't injured.

An RFS boat, Marine Rescue, Water Police and PolAir were all sent to the scene.

Despite the efforts of firefighters, the vessel burnt to waterline and sank.

RFS crews at the scene were told as many as 5 explosions occurred when the vessel went up in flames.

A salvage operation is expected to get under way this morning. 

The cause of the blaze is yet to be confirmed. 

 

An RFS boat was called in to fight the fire

 

BREAKING! Teenage Boy Dies In Crash at Gateshead

 BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are under way into a crash at Gateshead early Monday which left one teenager dead and another in hospital.

Police say a stolen Toyota Kluger crashed into a paddock overturned off Willow Road just before 3.00am.

One of the passengers, a 13-year-old boy suffered critical injuries but could not be revived and died at the scene.

A 14-year-old boy was taken to the John Hunter in a stable condition with leg injuries, where he remains under police guard.

Police say two other people fled the scene. 

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were arrested and taken to the John Hunter under police guard.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

A report is being prepared for the Coroner

 

Fire Tears Through Unit At Birmingham Gardens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused severe damage to a unit at Birmingham Gardens overnight.

Fire crews from Wallsend, Mayfield West and Lambton were called to a duplex in Lee Crescent just after 1.30am today (Tuesday 28 July, 2026) to find a fire on the back patio of unit 1 had taken hold.

Newcastle Fire Command says the occupants were woken by smoke alarms and safely evacuated the unit along with the occupants of unit 2.

The second unit sustained fire damage to the ceiling.

12 firefighters took more than 3 hours to fully extinguish and mop up the blaze before handing the scene to police.

  

BREAKING! Crews Battling House Fire At Millers Forest

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are battling a major house fire at Millers Forest.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews they were called to a single storey elevated weatherboard home on Woodberry Road just before 4.30am today (Thursday 23 July 2026), arriving to find the property engulfed in flames.

Fire and Rescue crews from Tarro, Raymond Terrace and Morpeth are at the scene along with RFS teams from Raymond Terrace and Thornton. 

Bulk water tankers from East Maitland, Cameron Park and Bolwarra have also been dispatched due to issues with gaining access to water.

Crews are working to protect adjacent buildings and are relaying water from the tankers.

It's understood six people have escaped unharmed from the house. 

 

Search Under Way For Missing Teenager From Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police say the disappearance of a teenage girl from Muswellbrook is out of character.

16-year-old Shyanne Millington was last seen on Sunday July 19 and there concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a medium build and dyed dark red hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, ripped black jeans and black and white converse shoes.

Shyanne is known to frequent the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Sydney CBD areas.

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

Missing teen Shyanne Millington

 

Fears Held For Missing Newcastle Woman

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search is under way for a Newcastle woman who hasn't been seen in more than a month.

42-year-old Kirsty Hayes was last seen in Darby Street, Cooks Hill sometime between Thursday June 11 and Monday June 15, 2026.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a thin build, brown hair and green eyes and is known to frequent the Newcastle and Hunter Valley areas.

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

 

Missing woman Kirsty Hayes

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Girl Missing From Abermain

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Good News!

Police have advised Shanae Ford has been found.

They've thanked the community for their support in sharing the appeal.

EARLIER:  

Police are asking for out help to find a young girl who's gone missing from the Lower Hunter.

12-year-old Shanae Ford was last seen in Abermain about 2.00pm on Monday 13 July, 2026 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165 to 170cm tall with a medium build, dark hair and brown eyes.

Shanae is known to frequent the Abermain, Cessnock, Maitland, Rutherford and Lake Macquarie areas.

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

 

Missing girl Shanae Ford

 

 

Police Appeal For Two Anonymous Witnesses To Come Forward In Gordana Kotevski Case.

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike force investigators believe two anonymous callers from three decades ago could have vital information about one of the Hunter's most baffling cold cases.

Gordana Kotevski was 16-years-old when she was last seen being bundled into a vehicle on Powell Street at Charlestown about 9.00pm on Thursday November 24, 1994.

She was walking to her aunt's house after shopping at Charlestown Square.

A 2003 inquest concluded she was deceased and her death was the result of foul play.

Investigators from Strike Force Bambil are now calling for two anonymous witnesses, both males, to come forward.

One had phoned Newcastle Police Station at about 6.50pm on December 5 1994 to provide "specific information about a person's involvement in the matter".

Two years later, on September 18 1996, a man contacted radio station KOFM in Newcastle and spoke to a presenter, providing similar specific information.

Police say both calls were anonymous and detectives are urging the callers to come forward and speak with investigators about the information they hold. 

It comes nearly four years after the state government increased the reward for information about the suspected murder to $1 million in 2022.

The men, or anyone else with information are being urged to call Belmont detectives on 4922 8774 or get in contact via email at SFBambil@police.nsw.gov.au.

   

Gordana Kotevski

Almost $3 Million Seized in Port Stephens Drug Bust

BY LIAM COLLINS

A police raid in Port Stephens yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026) saw the seizure of almost 64 kilograms of alleged prohibited and restricted drugs.

Port Stephens' Strike Force Korpisalo, assisted by Raptor Squad police, arrested two men in Salamander Bay around 12.00 pm after extensive inquiries.

Officers executed crime scene warrants at addresses in Salamander Bay and Boat Harbour, allegedly finding 50 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, 12.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, $15,000 in cash, 50 items believed to be used in drug manufacturing, and electronic devices.

Police say the drugs have an estimated street value of $2.66 million dollars.

A Salamander Bay vehicle was also searched after the arrest of the two men - police allegedly finding chemical containers and liquids used in the operation.

The two men, aged 34 and 24, were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The 34-year-old was charged with manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity and dealing with property proceeds of crime greater than $100000.

The 24-year-old was charged with taking part in manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity.

The two men were refused bail and are set to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today.

Samples of drugs allegedly seized by police in Port Stephens Picture: NSW Police

Muswellbrook Siege Ends After 16 Hour Standoff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-hour siege at Muswellbrook has ended with a man being arrested and taken to hospital.

Just after 2.00pm yesterday (Thursday 25 June, 2026), Hunter Valley Police went to a home in Parkinson Avenue to execute an arrest warrant and attempted to speak to a 58-year-old man at the address.

However, the man refused to leave the home and allegedly threatened the officers.

Police set up a perimeter and a siege situation developed.

Just before 6.00am today (Friday 26 June 2026), police say several tactics were used in an effort to arrest the man, including the use of beanbag rounds.

The man was assessed by paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for further assessment.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.