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.

Elderly Couple Critical After Crash At North Rothbury

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly couple have been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with critical injuries after a single car crash at North Rothbury.

Police say the couple, both aged 94, were travelling on Wine Country Drive in a Toyota Corolla at about 10.30pm on Monday when the car left the road and overturned.

The man and woman were trapped for a short time before being freed and transported to hospital.

Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police Yet To Identify Driver Involved In Fiery Crash At North Rothbury

BY IAN CROUCH

Investigators are yet to formally identify the driver involved in a fiery crash at North Rothbury.

Emergency services were called to Wine Country Drive at about 2.20am on Sunday where a car had caught fire after leaving the road and hitting a tree.

The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Investigations into the crash are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.