BY IAN CROUCH
Fire has forced the evacuation of a unit block at Cooks Hill.
Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Newcastle, Merewether and Carrington were called to the 3 storey unit complex in Darby Street at about 5.10am on Thursday 6 June,2024 to find a fire in a ground floor unit.
They've managed to contain the blaze to the one apartment and there are no reports of injuries.
It's understood the unit was unoccupied when the fire broke out.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
BY IAN CROUCH
Residents living in parts of Cooks Hill say they've had enough of the violence and anti-social behaviour going on in their suburb and have approached Newcastle Council for help.
A recent murder along with a rise in violent incidents, drug dealing, public urination and petty theft has residents of Young Street living in fear.
On Tuesday night, Councilors supported a Notice of Motion to arrange a meeting between residents and stakeholders including council staff and Councilors, Police and the Department of Communities and Justice to develop a strategy to improve the amenity of the area.
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| A recent murder in Darby Street is one of several incidents which has Cooks Hill residents concerned Picture: 9news.com.au |
BY JARROD MELMETH
A man has been charged with murder following investigations into a fatal shooting at a Cooks Hill apartment last month.
On July 22, emergency services found 40-year-old Wesley Prentice inside the unit on Darby Street with a gun shot wound to the chest. Mr Prentice died at the scene.
Police have announced a 35-year-old man was arrested near a caravan park at Bonny Hills on Sunday in relation to the murder.
During a search of the man's belongings, officers found a loaded firearm and cash which were seized for forensic examination.
The man from Woodrising was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was charged with murder, possess loaded firearm in public place, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and possess unregistered firearm in public place.
He was refused bail and appeared at Wachope Local Court on Monday where he was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Hibbard detectives executed two search warrants at Bonny Hills and Windale.
During the searches, number of items were seized by police for forensic examination.
Investigations are continuing.
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| Pictured: Superintendent Wayne Humphrey speaking to the media this morning. |