Police on the hunt for dawn bandits

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Central Hunter Police are on the hunt for a group of bandits who targeted two businesses within 48 hours threatening victims before demanding cash and cigarettes.

The first occurred on Saturday morning at a Bellbird service station at about 6:25am. The second target, an Aberdare newsagency was held up at the same time yesterday.

Police are confident both robberies are the work of the same group and believe at least three petrol thefts around the Coalfields could also be linked.

Both robberies occurred on main roads and police are hopeful motorists may have seen something at either location.

Anyone with information are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

House Explosion at Aberdare

A husband and wife have managed to escape unharmed after an explosion occurred in their house at Aberdare this morning.

Police and fire crews were called to the Rawson Street property at about 2.30 where the couple had managed to extinguish a fire sparked by the blast.

Acting Inspector Jerry Bowden says there is reports that a motor vehicle was heard leaving the area at that time.

"While forensic services are currently on scene, Police are certainly treating it as suspicious," he says.

The couple was called in to the local police station for questioning.

Bowden says further investigation is required to figure the extent of the damage and possible motive for the attack.