Man Arrested During Police Operation At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face Singleton Court today (Thursday 18 January, 2024) following a major police operation at Muswellbrook.

Officers from the Tactical Operations Unit and Serious Crime Squad detectives went to a home on Anzac Parade at about midday on Wednesday as part of investigations into a public place shooting at Denman earlier this month.

Police say they seized several items of interest including a Holden Colarado, two home-made firearms, a loaded shortened firearm, a .22 calibre shotgun and rounds.

They arrested a 27-year-old man at the scene.

He's been charged with 17 offences including firearms charges, drug supply, aggravated break and enter, and goods in custody.

BREAKING! Emergency Services Called To Serious Crash At Mount Vincent

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Mount Vincent.

Police, Fire, Ambulance and VRA crews were called to Sandy Creek Road just before 5.30am on Wednesday where a vehicle had left the road and crashed into a tree, trapping the male driver.

It's understood the man, believed to be in his 20's and was the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Meanwhile, a man is recovering in hospital after a bad crash at Dudley overnight.

Police say the 47-year-old was driving a Mitsubishi Express van which left Dudley Beach Road and crashed into a tree just after 9.30pm.

The man was trapped for about 20 minutes before being freed and taken to the John Hunter Hospital in stable condition with leg injuries.

Police suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash and the man has undergone mandatory testing in hospital.

Strike Force Arrest Over Alleged Gateshead Abduction in the 1980's

 BY IAN CROUCH

Detectives attached to a strike force investigating the disappearances and suspected killings of three Lake Macquarie teenagers have arrested a man as part of their investigations.

Strike Force Ararapaima was formed in April 2019 to investigate the unsolved cases of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevsky.

As part of those inquiries, detectives arrested a 62-year-old man at a government facility in Silverwater on Monday.

He's been charged with four offences relating to the alleged abduction of a 16-year-old girl at Gateshead in the 1980's.

The arrest is unrelated to the investigation concerning Robyn Hickie, Gordana Kotevski and Amanda Robinson.

 The man and will face Newcastle Local Court on March 13.

Strike Force Arapaima is investigating the disappearances and suspected killings of Amanda Robinson, Gordana Kotevski and Robyn Hickie

Prime Minister praises M1 extension

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in the Hunter this morning, looking over the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. 

The $2.1 billion dollar project, is slated to be finished in 2028 and will see a 15 kilometer extension made to the Motorway.

The extension is expected to cut down on nine minutes of travel time during peak periods, with the  removal of 25,000 vehicles from key congestion and merge points between Newcastle and Maitland each day. 

Prime Minister Albanese praised the extension for expected improvements in road safety, and what this will mean for families and workers travelling up and down the east coast. 

"When we build better roads, we get better outcomes for road safety. Better outcomes means saving lives and reducing accidents which we have seen unfortunately rise around the nation."

Additionally, Prime Minister Albanese said the reduced travel time will increase productivity throughout the Hunter region. 

"The Port of Newcastle is one of Australia's most important, and this project will ensure there's massive productivity benefits for all in the region."

Man Injured During Dudley Break-In

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been left with serious leg injuries after a break-in at Dudley over the weekend.

Police say four people forced their way into a home on Tumut Street around 4.00am on Saturday and attempted to steal a motorbike.

They were confronted by neighbours and following a struggle, fled in a vehicle, striking a 42-year-old man.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police say the four culprits were males aged between 15 and 20 who fled in a turquoise-coloured Volkswagen T-Cross.

Suspected Stolen Car Found Dumped In The Williams River

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe an expensive sports car may have been stolen and stripped for parts before being dumped in the Williams River at Raymond Terrace.

A vessel approaching the local boat ramp near the Fitzgerald Bridge struck the submerged vehicle on Sunday morning.

Police divers confirmed no-one was in the car before it was pulled from the water.

The Camero z28 coupe was missing several parts, including the exhaust system.

Police are still trying to locate the owner of the car.

The submerged car is dragged from the water. Picture Newcastle Herald

Would-Be Thieves Smash Their Way Into Salt Ash Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a break and enter at a Salt Ash service station early Monday morning.

Officers were called to the unattended Ampol outlet on Nelson Bay Road just before 4.00am to find the front plate glass windows had been smashed.

Police say the intruders made an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to a cigarette cupboard behind the console operator's station.

It's not clear at this stage if anything was taken.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify those responsible and are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.