Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate six separate vehicle fires in the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command, which are believed to be linked.

About 3am this morning (Sunday 31 July 2016), emergency services were called to Kolang and Biwong Streets, and surrounding areas in Blacksmiths, following reports of at least six vehicles on fire.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers attended and extinguished the blazes. No one was injured.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have established a number of crime scenes, and are investigating the cause of the fires.

Initial inquiries have led police to believe the incidents are all linked and are suspicious.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, are urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

A man has been charged after a search warrant north of Newcastle.

Following an investigation by officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command, about 3pm today (Friday 29 July 2016), officers executed a search warrant at a home on Ford Avenue, Medowie.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man who is the subject of a Firearms Prohibition Order.

During a search of the home, police allegedly located a shortened rifle, a shotgun, a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’), a replica handgun, ammunition, and a butterfly knife.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug; possess restricted substance; possess prohibited weapon; possess ammunition; possess shortened firearm; possess unauthorised firearm; possess unauthorised pistol; not keep firearm safe; and firearm found at premises subjected to a firearms prohibition order.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Bail Court tomorrow (Saturday 30 July 2016).

A 44-year-old woman who was reported missing from Beresfield last weekend has been found.

The woman was found on John Renshaw Drive, about 1.20pm today (Wednesday 27 July 2016).

She has been taken to hospital for treatment.

Police wish to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward, following a critical incident investigation into the death of a woman while in custody at Maitland Police Station last week.

About 12.45am (Tuesday 19 July 2016), police located and detained a 36-year-old woman who was walking along Wollumbi Road, Cessnock, and appeared intoxicated.

Police had concerns for her welfare and conveyed her to Maitland Police Station.

About 6am the woman was found deceased.

A Critical Incident Team from Newcastle is currently investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident, with that investigation subject to independent review.

Investigators are hoping to speak with an anonymous male person who called police, and the occupants of a blue Commodore, who witnessed the woman’s actions prior to the arrival of police.

All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the woman’s death.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a woman missing from the state’s Central Hunter region since yesterday.

Bindi Cheers, 44, was last seen about 2pm (Sunday 24 July 2016), at a race club on Racecourse Road, Clarendon.

When Mrs Cheers failed to return home, officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command were contacted and commenced searching for her.

It is believed Mrs Cheers may have driven to a service station on Enterprise Drive, Beresfield, prior to going missing. She is believed to be on foot.

Mrs Cheers is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of slim build, with a fair complexion.

She was last seen wearing grey cargo pants, running shoes, and may be wearing a maroon jacket.

Anyone who may have seen Mrs Cheers is urged to contact Maitland Police via Crime Stoppers.

A search around the Enterprise Drive, Beresfield location will commence at first light today (Monday 25 July 2016).

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a motorcyclist south of Newcastle yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay, about 3.15pm (Saturday 23 July 2016), following reports of a collision between a motorcycle and a car.

The rider, a 33-year-old man from Medowie, was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics; however, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 19-year-old man, was not injured. He was taken to Belmont Hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.

A second motorcycle rider, a 47-year-old man from Singleton, was injured after the initial impact. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital with a suspected broken leg and ribs.

Flowers Drive was closed for several hours while police examined the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the crash to come forward.

Police investigate fatal crash north of Maitland
Friday, 22 July 2016 05:16:41 PM

Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash north of Maitland this morning.

Just after 6.40am (Friday 22 July 2016), emergency services were called to Gresford Road, East Gresford, following reports a car had left the road and hit a tree.

The driver and only occupant, an 18-year-old female P-plate driver, died at the scene.

Officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attended and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.