BREAKING! Police arrest three men after stabbing and armed robberies in Hunter crime spree

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police arrested three men on Friday morning, alleged to be connected to a spate of crimes across the Hunter.

Detectives with the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad launched Strike Force Conge last month, in response to a number of armed robberies in the region.

Officers attached to Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens-Hunter Police Districts also assisted.

14 incidents are being investigated in relation to the men in custody, including the armed robbery and assault of an employee outside the Blackbutt Hotel, the assault and robbery of a 79-year-old man in Charlestown, and the armed robbery of a Morpeth service station, which ended in a 47-year-old man being stabbed in the abdomen. 

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed five search warrants at properties in Maryland, Horseshoe Bend, Metford, Tenambit and Tamworth at 6am on Friday morning. 

A 21-year-old man was arrested at Tamworth and taken to Tamworth Police Station.

An 18-year-old Horseshoe Bend man was arrested at a home at Largs and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

A third man, aged 19, was arrested at Maryland and taken to Waratah Police Station.

A number of items, believed to be related to investigations, were also seized.

Police say they don't believe there are any outstanding offenders.

All three are expected to be charged as investigations under Strike Force Conge continue. 

Set Insp Adam Bird addressed reporters on Friday morning.

Police seize huge cannabis crop at Stroud home

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been charged with drug offences after police located several cannabis plants at a home in Stroud on Wednesday. 

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended the home around 8am in relation to an unrelated traffic incident. 

Police observed a number of cannabis plants in a detached shed next to the home. 

Officers spoke with a 46-year-old man who gave police consent to conduct a search of the home.

It’s alleged police located and seized 39 cannabis plants of varying maturity and approximately 3kg of cannabis leaf. 

Following inquiries, a 26-year-old man presented himself to Raymond Terrace Police Station about 3pm the same day, where he was arrested and charged with cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug. 

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court next Monday.

Image credit: Port Stephens-Hunter Police District

Petition launched to save support class at Islington Public School

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Hunter father has launched a petition, after learning a support class for students with mild intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and communication difficulties at Islington Public School is likely to be dissolved next year, if class numbers don't improve. 

It's the only class of its type in inner-city Newcastle. 

The Department of Education told parents in private meetings they should consider enrolling elsewhere or risk missing out on a place.

It's understood, while the kids could stay at the school in a mainstream class, they didn't qualify for funding for additional support in that setting.

Nick Pringle says his son is flourishing at school, and there's no alternatives if he has to move.

"The two IM classes that are even within cooee of Islington Public School don't guarantee a place next year," Mr Pringle said.

"That's quite aside from having to uproot the child, take him out of his social setting, all of his mates and his local community."

"In a year where Dylan Alcott can win Australian of the Year, where we're looking at diversity and disability support, it just seems absolutely counter-intuitive and counter-good practice to be making an early support intervention disappear."

More than 400 people have now signed the petition to save the class.

Mr Pringle hopes the support from the community will be enough to convince the Department to extend a lifeline.

"It's been really heartening, it's been quite touching, a little bit humbling, actually, how quickly people have come forward," Mr Pringle said.

"Now I hope we can carry that over, so the Department of Education are listening."

Lake Macquarie woman passes away with COVID

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 1,636 new COVID cases today and one death.

669 of those cases were from PCR tests and 967 were from RAT tests.

Sadly, a woman in her 80s from Lake Macquarie has passed away with the virus.

This brings the region to 53 cases in hospital, with three people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 12,632 new COVID cases and 38 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,578 cases in hospital, with 160 in intensive care.

41.7 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Head-on collision on Clarence Town Road

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Port Stephens SES have responded to a head-on collision on Clarence Town Road at Seaham on Wednesday afternoon.

A team provided scene safety, vehicle stabilization, and patient support until ambulances arrived.

After the patients were extricated from the vehicles, SES members relocated one of the vehicles using the vehicle mounted winch, in order to clear the road.

We're being reminded to to take it easy and drive safely on wet roads.

Image credit: SES Port Stephens

Police Step Up Investigation Into Armed Robbery At East Maitand

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released CCTV footage as investigations continue into an armed robbery on an East Maitland service station last month.

A man armed with a rifle threatened the attendant at the Newcastle Street store at about 10.15pm on Tuesday January 4 and and stole cash and cigarettes.

The male employee wasn't injured during the incident.

The offender is described as having a solid build, about 165 centimetres tall with a dark complexion.

He was wearing dark-coloured clothing and red sneakers.

We've posted the footage on the 2NURFM Hunter News Facebook page.

A still image of the wanted man

Truck Crash Closes Pacific Highway Northbound At Nabiac

 BY IAN CROUCH

Motorists heading north on the Pacific Highway are being advised of a serious truck crash at Nabiac south of Taree.

The crash involving three B-Doubles happened just before 3.30am on Thursday, blocking the northbound lanes.

One of the drivers remains trapped and emergency services are working to free him.

Diversions are in place however B-Double drivers will have to park their vehicles or delay their journey.

The highway is expected to remain closed for some time.