Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to help find a man who is missing from East Maitland.

Mark Ross Thompson, 64, was last spoken to by family on Saturday 8 August 2015.

On Saturday 5 September 2015, family attended his unit on Porter Avenue, East Maitland, and could not locate him.

They contact police and officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command commenced investigations. Searches for Mark Thompson have been unsuccessful and are now appealing for the community’s assistance.

There are serious concerns for his welfare as he has a medical condition, which requires medication.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 185cm tall, of large build, blue eyes, fair hair and with a beard/ moustache.

Mr Thompson’s car, a maroon Ford Fairlane with NSW registration BX43NV, is also missing.

Investigators are appealing for anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mark Thompson to call Crime Stoppers.

Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate a man’s movements one week prior to his body being found in the Hunter River last month.

Just after 5.30pm on Friday 28 August 2015, Craig Elkin, 43, was located deceased in the Hunter River at Morpeth by a member of the public.

Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command were called and established a crime scene.

Investigations into Mr Elkin’s death have indicated that his death was not suspicious.

However; detectives continue their inquiries into Mr Elkin’s movements between Sunday 23 August and Friday 28 August 2015, the time between when he was last seen and when his body was located.

Mr Elkin was last seen about 2am on Sunday 23 August, leaving an address on Glenarvon Road, Lorn. He was wearing dark-blue tracksuit pants, a green t-shirt, a navy jumper and black/red ‘Asics’ running shoes.

Police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist with their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

A man will appear in court today facing a number of firearm related charges after he allegedly discharged a rifle during a dispute at Blacksmiths, near Lake Macquarie overnight.

Police will allege a 24-year-old man allegedly armed with a loaded rifle, drove to a premises on Boikon Street where he confronted a 21-year-old man.

The two men became involved in a scuffle and a round was fired from the weapon. The 21-year-old man managed to overpower the older man, and secured the firearm.

The older man ran from the premises and allegedly drove to Caves’ Beach where he was arrested in his vehicle by police.

He was subjected to a roadside breath test which provided a positive reading. He was arrested and taken to Charlestown Police Station where he is expected to be charged with a number of firearm related offences as well as drink driving and an outstanding warrant.

He will be appearing in Newcastle Local Court later today. (Tuesday 15 September 2015).

No one was hurt during this incident.

The man was taken to Charlestown Police Station where he was charged with 11 offences:

– possess loaded firearm in public place;

– possess unauthorised firearm;

– possess unregistered firearm;

– possess ammunition without holding licence/permit;

– carry firearm manner likely injure person/property;

– enter building/land with firearm;

– handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol;

– armed with intent to commit indictable offence;

– drive motor vehicle while licence suspended;

– drive with mid-range PCA; and

– an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today. (Tuesday 15 September 2015).

No one was hurt during this incident.