A man will appear in court today charged with allegedly robbing two people at knifepoint and spitting in a police officer’s face in the state’s New England region.

About 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2015), two men were working on a building repair site at Quinn Street, West Tamworth, when they were approached by a man who asked them for cigarettes and money.

When they refused, it’s alleged the 47-year-old man produced a pocket knife and took a mobile phone belonging to one of the men.

Officers from Oxley Local Area Command were patrolling the area and arrested the man in nearby Sue Crescent.

It will be alleged in court that as the officers escorted the man to their caged truck, he spat in the eye of a male Plain Clothes Senior Constable.

The accused man was taken to Tamworth Police Station and charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon, assault with intent to rob and assault officer in execution of duty.

He has been refused bail to appear before Tamworth Local Court today (Friday 21 August 2015).

The officer was taken to Tamworth Hospital for treatment.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a woman from Tamworth.

Johann Morgan was last seen by her family at her West Tamworth home on Saturday August 8, 2015.

Family of Ms Morgan have exhausted all avenues to locate her before reporting her missing to Tamworth Police who have now launched an investigation.

Grave concerns are now held for her welfare.

Investigations have revealed Ms Morgan left home without her wallet and mobile phone, and has not accessed her bank accounts since her disappearance. She has also missed a number of scheduled appointments which is unusual.

Family have described her disappearance as out of character.

Ms Morgan is described as being 40-years of age, about 165cm tall with black hair and a medium build.

Anyone with information should contact Tamworth Police on (02) 6768 2999.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man with an outstanding warrant.

Jade Woods, 20, is wanted for robbery and demand money with menace offences, which were allegedly committed against a pizza delivery driver and a taxi driver in Tamworth on 13 June 2015.

After an extensive investigation to locate Jade Woods by officers from Oxley Local Area Command, a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Further arrests are likely to follow in relation to persons assisting Jade Woods in the commission of these offences.

Jade Woods is known to reside in both Tamworth and Newcastle. Investigators believe he is aware police are trying to locate him.

Anyone who sights Jade Woods should not approach him, but contact police immediately.

Anyone who is aware of his whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers or Tamworth Police on (02) 6768 2999.

The NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, has commended Senior Constable David Rixon for his service as a NSW Police Officer, following the announcement that he will receive a posthumous Australian Bravery Award.

Snr Cst Rixon died after being shot during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Tamworth on 2 March 2012.

Snr Cst Rixon stopped the man, believing him to be a disqualified driver, when the man produced a gun and shot him. Despite being critically injured, Snr Cst Rixon returned fire and arrested the man.

Commissioner Scipione said Snr Cst Rixon was a deserving recipient of a posthumous Australian Bravery Award.

“Snr Cst Rixon died under tragic circumstances while protecting the community in what should have been a routine traffic stop,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“His death affected his family, friends, the local community, and the entire NSW Police Force; and today’s award is testament to the fact that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Snr Cst Rixon’s courage and conviction under incredibly difficult circumstances continues to inspire us and strengthen our resolve to protect the community,” Commissioner Scipione said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant said this award is testament to the courage and dedication the men and women of the NSW Police Force display every day.

“Senior Constable Rixon put his life on the line to protect the community and he paid the ultimate price.

“This award recognises his actions and his bravery on that day.

“My thoughts are with Senior Constable Rixon’s family and the NSW Police Force.”

Police from Armidale are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing since 10am yesterday (Monday 17 August 2015).

Police were contacted by the family of 51-year-old Stephen ‘Scott’ Hourigan about 6pm (Monday 17 August 2015), due to concerns held for Mr Hourigan.

It appears he left his home in Armidale, travelling in his 2007 grey Toyota Prado, registration number SH 2137, and was heading east on Waterfall Way, out of the Armidale township.

He has been described as Caucasian in appearance, about 185cm tall (6ft’1″) with a solid build (120kg), dark short hair, and a tattoo on left upper arm of Chinese characters.

Police and family hold grave concerns for the welfare of Mr Hourigan, due to his mental state, and are appealing for anyone who may have seen him, or his vehicle, to contact police at Armidale Police Station on (02) 6771 0699, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.