Firefighters Tackling Highly Visible Bushfire On Bulahdelah Mountain

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are working to contain a bushfire about 1 kilometre east of Bulahdelah.

The fire broke out on Mount Alum around 7.00pm on Wednesday and is very visible to motorists on the Pacific Highway, prompting dozens of calls to triple zero.

The fire is listed at Advice level and is not posing any threat to property.

James Morris from the RFS says it could take some time to bring the fire under control as it's burning in hard to reach terrain.

"Firefighters are working to identify containment strategies and will continue to do so today, given the remote location and the fact we've got some westerly winds predicted for today. That's likely to push that fire in an east to southeast direction into some fairly inaccessible country," he said.

The RFS is also reminding people to check their website, social media pages or the Fires Near Me app before calling triple zero and to only call the emergency number when there's an unattended fire.

Meanwhile, a bushwalker reported missing in the area overnight has since been found and is safe and well.

The bushfire is clearly visible from the Pacific Highway and Bulahdelah township Picture: Joanne Rose

Drivers Allegedly Caught Drug Driving At Muswellbrook

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police expect to charge a man and a woman for driving under the influence of drugs after they were pulled over during routine patrols in Muswellbrook.

Officers stopped a 33-year-old woman on Ironbark Road at about 2.30pm on Tuesday where she allegedly returned a positive drug test, while a 29-year-old man from Greta also returned a positive result after being stopped in Sydney Street 2 hours later.

Both were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where it's alleged they returned a positive test to methylamphetamine.

They've been prohibited from driving for 24 hours and will be formally charged once lab tests are complete.

Pursuit Runs Out Of Petrol At Cessnock

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court after leading police on a pursuit at Cessnock.

Patrolling police noticed a trail bike without number plates being ridden along Wollombi Road just after 7.00pm on Monday, but the rider took off.

However, the chase didn't last long, with the bike running out of petrol in nearby Jurd Street.

Police say the 32-year-old rider from Cessnock has been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court on Tuesday charged with drive whilst disqualified and riding an unregistered and uninsured motorcycle.

Head-on Crash South of Singleton

BY LILLY HAINES

Five people including three children have been injured at a serious crash at Whittingham near Singleton this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene north of Range Road on the New England Highway with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arriving just after midday.

The Westpac Helicopter is transporting a 6 year old boy in a serious condition to the John Hunter Hospital suffering multiple injuries sustained in the head on crash.

The female driver is reportedly in a critical condition.

Two other children who were in the car are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The male driver and sole occupant of the 4WD has also been taken to the John Hunter with non-life threatening injuries.

At the scene an Isuzu ute was seen tipped on its side while a white sedan was crushed.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities are urging to drivers allow additional travel time and follow detour routes if heading through the area.

Heavy vehicles are advised to look at alternative routes.

Emergency services attending scene of crash at Whittingham on New England Highway. Picture: NBN News.

BREAKING! Two People Found Dead At Stockton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have confirmed the elderly man and woman found dead at Stockton on Friday morning were husband and wife.

The pair's medical histories will be reviewed by police, as officers work to determine the circumstances leading up to this morning's tragic discovery.

The 75-year-old woman's body was found by police around 6 o'clock inside a home on Newcastle Street

The body of her 76-year-old husband was later retrieved from the surf at Stockton Beach.

Police don't believe anyone else is involved.


EARLIER:

A police operation is under way at Stockton where two people have been found dead.

Fairfax reports officers were called to a concern for welfare at a house in Newcastle Street at 5.50am on Friday, arriving to find the body of a woman in her 70's inside.

Officers were  then alerted to a concern for welfare on Stockton Beach, arriving to find the body of a man in his 70's.

Police have sealed off parts Newcastle Street at the intersection of Clyde Street as investigations continue.

Police have set up crime scenes after two bodies discovered at Stockton Picture: theherald.com.au

Hungry Thief Breaks Into Glendale School

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court next month accused of breaking into a Glendale school and child care centre early Friday morning.

Police say the man entered the Holy Cross College on Lake Road though an unlocked door at about 4.00am and stole chips, party pies and ice blocks.

They say he then went next door to the Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Oakland Street and stole a torch.

He was rounded up by a police dog in nearby John Howe Close a short time later and is due to face Toronto Local Court on August 13 charged with 2 counts of break,enter and steal.

Body Found Near Wybung Head Believed To Be Missing Fisherman

BY IAN CROUCH

A body, believed to be that of a missing fisherman who fell from rocks at Timber Beach last Sunday, has been recovered.

A member of the public located a body on rocks about 100 metres off shore near Wybung Head around 10.15am on Thursday.

The Westpac Lifesaver helicopter was called in to assist with the body retrieval operation.

Although the body is yet to be formally identified, it's believed to be that of a 62-year-old man who fell from rocks while fishing south of Caves Beach.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Emergency services involved in desperate search for missing fisherman Picture: nbnnews.com.au