Police are searching for a prisoner who escaped from a minimum security facility in Cessnock this morning.

Blay Cunningham, 25, was last seen at the Cessnock Correctional Facility just before 10am today (Sunday 1 March 2015).

Police have been told the man was briefly sighted on Verdelho Avenue, Mount View.

Cunningham was reported missing to Central Hunter Local Area Command, who commenced a search of the area.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 167cm tall, of slim build, and with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing green tracksuit pants and carrying a white t-shirt.

Police are warning the public not to approach Cunningham if they see him, but to instead contact Triple Zero immediately.

A man has been charged with indecent assault, common assault and offensive behaviour near Newcastle today.

About 1.40am (Sunday 1 March, 2015) a 30-year-old man approached two 26-year-old women from behind while they were walking along Beaumont Street, Hamilton. He allegedly indecently assaulted one of the women, who pushed him away. A short argument ensued and the man allegedly punched the other woman in the mouth.

Police were called and upon arrival the 30-year-old was allegedly acting aggressive, swearing at police.

He was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station. He was charged with indecent assault, common assault and offensive behaviour and refused bail to appear before Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 1 March 2015).

A man has died after being stabbed in the state’s Hunter region overnight.

About 1am today (Sunday 1 March 2015), police and emergency services were called to a home on Edgeworth Street.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a 48-year-old man with a number of wounds.

Police commenced CPR until Ambulance Paramedics arrived, however, the man died at the scene.

A short time later, as officers were examining the scene, a vehicle driving past lost control and rolled into the established crime scene.

Police located a 50-year-old man inside the car with multiple wounds. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The two incidents are linked and the man is helping police with their inquiries.

An investigation into the matter is now underway.